70th Convention California-Nevada-Hawaii District April 17 – 19

Transcription

70th Convention
California-Nevada-Hawaii District
April 17 – 19, 2015
San Jose, CA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Proposed Special Standing Rules .................................................................... 4
Convention Agenda .......................................................................................... 5
Rosters for Boards, Circuit Visitors and Committees .......................................7
Roster of Parishes ............................................................................................ 10
Roster of Pastors .............................................................................................. 13
Roster of Commissioned Ministers ................................................................. 17
District President's Report ............................................................................... 22
Changes in the District - 2009-2011- Pastoral ................................................ 31
District Board of Directors' Report .................................................................. 35
CNH Human Care Committee Report ............................................................. 39
CNH Intentional Interim Ministry Report ………………………………..…. 44
CNH District Committee on Constitutional Matters Report ……………….... 45
CNH Church Extension Fund Report .............................................................. 46
Circuit Reports ................................................................................................ 52
Nominations for District Offices ..................................................................... 94
Biographical Information of Candidates for District Offices .......................... 97
Overtures .........................................................................................................102
Floor Committees / Room Assignments .........................................................117
PROPOSED SPECIAL STANDING RULES
1.
The Chair shall see that the agenda is followed as closely as possible.
2
Resolutions of each floor committee shall be prioritized by number and shall normally be
presented in sequence.
3.
When recognized by the Chair, members of the convention shall state their name. They shall also
state the congregation, District Committee/Board they represent.
4.
A two-minute rule shall apply for all who speak from the floor and for the committee during
debate.
5.
Any voting delegate may call the question at any time so long as he/she addresses the chair for
that purpose. A delegate may not speak for or against a resolution and then call the question. A
2/3 majority is required to close debate.
6.
The chair shall ordinarily also call for the raising of the right hand when voting on an issue.
7.
If a substitute motion is offered, the convention shall first decide by majority vote without debate
whether or not to consider the substitute. The maker of a substitute motion, following a second
will be given a maximum of two minutes to state the rationale for the motion before the delegates
vote. If the decision is in the affirmative and the substitute motion is subsequently adopted, the
original motion fails; if the substitute motion does not receive favorable action either to consider
or to adopt, the original motion is again before the house. (This is the so-called “Behnken rule”
for dealing with substitute motions.)
8.
Questions of privilege shall be addressed in writing to the Chair, or its appointee, instead of
consuming convention time.
9.
During the last two time slots for business, the President shall have the privilege of calling up for
action resolutions that in his judgment must be acted upon by the convention before adjournment.
10.
Resolutions not acted upon by the convention before adjournment die. The subject matter may be
reintroduced at the next convention by means of an overture.
11.
Formal approval of the minutes of the previous day’s business will occur at the first business
session following their distribution. However, at that time only corrections involving convention
action shall be offered from the floor for consideration. Simple editorial corrections involving,
for example, misspelling of names and faulty titles and references shall be submitted in writing to
the Secretary for incorporation into the minutes after verification.
12.
The preface, preamble, and whereas sections shall be considered an integral part of the resolution
or overture and, as such, subject to the same serious consideration and adoption in all its parts as
the main motion itself.
13.
Unless covered by these standing rules of the convention, the most recent edition of Robert’s
Rules of Order shall govern parliamentary procedure.
Page 4
2015 Convention Agenda
Friday April 17, 2015 Registration opens Committee meetings Open hearings Delegate orientation 9:00 am 10:00 11:00 11:30 Convention opens 1:00 pm Opening devotion 1:10 District President report – part 1 1:30 Convention business – Voting 2:00 CEF report Greetings from others District President report – part 2 2:15 2:30 2:45 Convention business – voting or resolutions 3:30 Break for caucus’ 5:00 Dinner (meal package) 6:30 Worship (on‐site) 8:00 *Committee meetings as needed after worship* Saturday April 18, 2015 Opening devotion 7:45 am Convention business 8:15 Synodical President 8:30 Missions Conference introduction 10:00 Page 5
Missions Conference – plenary speaker – part 1 10:05 Adjourn for Missions break‐out sessions 10:50 Missions break‐out session 1 11:00 – 11:50 Lunch (meal package) 12:00 pm Missions break‐out session 2 1:00 – 1:50 Re‐assemble for plenary session 2:00 Plenary speaker – part 2 2:10 Missions Conference wrap‐up 2:50 Re‐convene to convention business 3:00 Greetings from others 3:05 Convention business 3:15 Break for day 5:00 No‐host bar 5:45 Banquet 6:30 Saturday April 19, 2015 Opening prayer 9:00 am Convention business (if needed) 9:10 Synodical President or representative 10:00 District President – closing remarks 10:30 Closing worship 11:00 Page 6
Rosters for Boards, Circuit Visitors and
Committees
DISTRICT BOARD OF DIRECTORs
President:
Rev. Dr. Robert D. Newton
First Vice President: Rev. Paul G. Hoffmann
Regional Vice Presidents:
Regional Lay Directors:
Rev. Mark W. Haas
Rev. Dr. Harold S. Draeger
Rev. Richard R. Rice
Rev. Bruce R. Betker
Rev. Mark Kliewer
Mr. Armand Vattuone
Mr. Tim Kramer
Mr. David Bultena
Mrs. Dinnie Kysar
Mr. Henry Wentzlaff
Secretary:
Rev. John M. Standley
Treasurer:
Donna Herzog
Commissioned Minister: Marla Kuefner
CIRCUIT VISITORS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
Rev. Terrence Chan
Rev. David M. Sauer
Rev. Daniel Deuel
Rev. Henry A. Scherer
Rev. Daniel A. Schlensker
Rev. Theodore B. Zimmerman
Rev. Dr. David R. Moore.
Rev. Steward D. Crown
Rev. Mark C. Whittaker
Rev. Jonathan W. Oetting
Rev. Mitchell W. Gowen
Rev. James H. Cavener
Rev. James A. Kabel
Rev. James D. Beyer
Rev. Clarence H. Eisberg
Rev. Stanley R. Abraham
Rev. Robert O’Sullivan
Rev. John C. Bestul
19.
20.
Page 7
Rev. John-Paul Meyer
Rev. Alan Hilton
DISTRICT COMMITTEES
Chairman - *
CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS
MAXNER, Marilyn *
WERTH, Rev. Luther
DISABILITY MINISTRY TASK FORCE
BLIESE, Rev. Karl
CARNEY, Donna
LARSON, Art
MUELLER, Rev. Tom
OETTING, Rev. Jonathan *
RUSK, JANET
WHALEY, Debbie
ZIMMERMAN, Elaine
DIRASSE, Rev. Geta (advisory)
HALAKHE, Rev. John (advisory)
DISPUTE RECONCILERS
BYRD II, Otis
FLYNN, Rev. Alan
HAACK, Rev. Lon
HERTZBERG, Laurie
MILLER, Sharron
HUMAN CARE MINISTRIES
CONTRERAS, Susan
HARRI, Marilyn
PEACOCK, Lois as Parish Nurse representative
REESE, Rev. David
ROBERTS, Dr. Carol representing LSS-NorCal
ZABELL, Rev. Phil*
MINISTERIAL TRAINING ENDOWMENT FUND
OATMAN, Floyd
SPIVA, Frank
Page 8
PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS
ANGERMAN, Mickey
KARGES, Lonnie
KING, Janis
LEE, Jenn
MANCINI, Mike
O’HARA, Jacob
RAWLINS, Cheryl
SPIVA, Cynthia*
STUDENT AID AND RECRUITMENT
APPOLD, Patrice*
ROTHAS, Cynthia
SPIVA, Frank
LANGE, Rev. Michael (advisory)
YOUTH
DE LA MOTTE, Troy
KUEGELE, Laura *
WILLIAMS, Sina
Page 9
ROSTER OF PARISHES
KEY:
V - Voting
NCS - New Church Start
NV - Non-voting
P - Pacific Region
N - Northern Region
S - Southern Region
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
CALIFORNIA
Antioch, St. Andrews
Arcata, LC Arcata
Arroyo Grande, Peace
Artois, St. Paul
Willows, First
Atascadero, Redeemer
Atwater, Holy Cross
Auburn, St. Paul
Bakersfield, Bethany
Bakersfield, Grace
Bakersfield, LC of Prayer
Bakersfield, St. John
Benicia, Benicia
Berkeley, Bethlehem
Brentwood, Resurrecton
Burney, Faith
Cameron Park, Light o/t Hills
Caruthers, Our Saviour's
Chester, Our Savior
Greenville, First
Chico, Redeemer
Citrus Heights, Messiah
Clearlake, St. John
Cloverdale, Grace
Clovis, Emmanuel
Coarsegold, Shep of Siera
Colusa, Bethlehem
Concord, First
Concord, Holy Cross
Crescent City, Grace
Cupertino, L C of Our Savior
Daly City, Hope
Davis, Our Faith
Delano, L C of Our Saviour
Dinuba, First
H - Hawaii Region
Nev - Nevada Region
V-S
V-N
V-S
V-N
V-N
V-S
V-S
V-N
V-S
V-S
V-S
V-S
V-S
V-P
V-S
V-N
V-N
V-S
V-Nev
V-Nev
V-N
V-N
V-N
V-N
V-S
V-S
V-N
V-S
V-S
V-N
V-P
V-P
V-N
V-S
V-S
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
Page 10
Dublin, St. Philip
El Cerrito, Grace
Elk Grove, Light of the Valley
Exeter, Trinity
Fair Oaks, Faith
Fairfield, Trinity
Ferndale, St. Mark
Folsom, Mt. Olive
Fortuna, Hope
Fremont, Memorial Deaf
Fremont, Our Savior
Fremont, Prince of Peace
Fresno, Peace
Fresno, Redeemer
Georgetown, Trinity
Grass Valley, Grace
Gridley, Grace
Hanford, First
Hayward, Good Shepherd
Healdsburg, Good Shepherd
Jackson, Immanuel
Valley Springs, Foothill
Lake Isabella, Shep o/t Hills
Lindsay, Mt. Olive
Livermore, Our Savior
Lodi, Redeemer
Lodi, St. Peter
Lompoc, Bethany
Lompoc, Clear Promise
Los Gatos, Holy Cross
Lucerne, First
Martinez, Christ
Menlo Park, Bethany
Merced, St. Paul
Mill Valley, Peace
V-S
V-P
V-N
V-S
V-N
V-P
V-N
V-N
V-N
V-P
V-P
V-P
V-S
V-S
V-N
V-N
V-N
V-S
V-P
V-N
V-N
V-N
V-S
V-S
V-S
V-S
V-S
V-S
V-S
V-P
V-N
V-S
V-P
V-S
V-P
ROSTER OF PARISHES
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
Milpitas, Mt. Olive
Modesto, Grace
Monterey, Bethlehem
Mount Shasta, Christ
Mountain View, St. Paul
Napa, St. John
Newman, St. James
North Highlands, Zion
Oakdale, St. Luke
Valley Home, St. John
Oakland, First Trinity
Oakland, Pilgrim
Oroville, Calvary
Pacifica, Our Savior
Palo Alto, Trinity
Paradise, Our Savior
Paso Robles, Trinity
Petaluma, St. John
Piedmont, Zion
Pinole, Our Savior
Pittsburg, Grace
Placerville, First
Pleasant Hill, Faith
Portola, St. Luke
Rancho Cordova, Cordova
Red Bluff, St. Paul
Corning, Mt. Olive
Redding, Trinity
Redwood City, Redeemer
Richmond, Mt. Zion
Rocklin, Holy Cross
Rocklin, St. Matthew
Sacramento, Greenhaven
Sacramento, Peace
Sacramento, Town & County
Sacramento, Trinity
Salinas, Our Savior
San Francisco, Canaan
San Francisco, Christ f/a Nations
San Francisco, Bethel
San Francisco, Grace
San Francisco, Holy Spirit
San Francisco, Shep o/t Hills
San Francisco, Zion
V-P
V-S
V-S
V-N
V-P
V-P
V-S
V-N
V-S
V-S
V-P
V-P
V-N
V-P
V-P
V-N
V-S
V-N
V-P
V-P
V-S
V-N
V-S
V-Nev
V-N
V-N
V-N
V-N
V-P
V-P
V-N
V-N
V-N
V-N
V-N
V-N
V-S
V-P
V-P
V-P
V-P
V-P
V-P
V-P
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
Page 11
San Jose, Christ the Life
San Jose, First Immanuel
San Jose, Shep o/f Valley
San Jose, Trinity
San Leandro, Hope
San Leandro, St. Peter
Hayward, Grace
San Lorenzo, Bethlehem Ethiopian
San Lorenzo, Calvary
San Luis Obispo, Zion
San Mateo, Grace
San Pablo, Rollingwood
San Rafael, L C o/t Resurrection
San Rafael, Trinity
Santa Clara, Resurrection
Santa Cruz, Messiah
Santa Maria, Grace
Santa Maria, L C of Our Savior
Santa Rosa, St. Luke
Santa Rosa, St. Mark
Seaside, Faith
Sebastopol, Mt. Olive
Selma, St. Paul
Sonoma, Faith
Sonora, St. Matthew
Soquel, Mt Calvary
Watsonville, Trinity
South San Francisco, Faith
South San Francisco, First
Burlingame, Trinity
Stockton, St. Andrew
Stockton, Trinity
Sunnyvale, St. Mark
Susanville, St. Paul
Taft, Peace
Terra Bella, Zion
Tracy, St. Paul
Turlock, Good Shepherd
Ukiah, Faith
Vacaville, Bethany
Visalia, Grace
Walnut Creek, Trinity
Wasco, Trinity
Willits, St John
V-P
V-P
V-P
V-P
V-P
V-P
V-P
V-P
V-P
V-S
V-P
V-P
V-P
V-P
V-P
V-S
V-S
V-S
V-N
V-N
V-S
V-N
V-S
V-P
V-S
V-S
V-S
V-P
V-P
V-P
V-S
V-S
V-P
V-Nev
V-S
V-S
V-S
V-S
V-N
V-P
V-S
V-S
V-S
V-N
ROSTER OF PARISHES
149
150
151
Windsor, Vineyard of Faith
Woodland, St Paul
Yuba City, First
V-N
V-N
V-N
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
HAWAII
Aiea, Our Savior
Ewa Beach, Messiah
Hilo, Christ
Honolulu, Good Shepherd
Honolulu, Our Redeemer
Kahului, Emmanuel
Kaneohe, St. Mark
Wahiawa, Trinity
Waikoloa, Waikoloa
V-H
V-H
V-H
V-H
V-H
V-H
V-H
V-H
V-H
NEVADA
Carson City, Bethlehem
Carson City, Shep of the Sierra
Dayton,River of Life
Yerington, Faith
Hawthorne, Bethany
Elko, St. Mark
Fallon, St. John
Gardnerville, Trinity
Reno, St. Luke
Sparks, Our Savior
Winnemucca, Zion
Battle Mountain, Christ
V-Nev
V-Nev
V-Nev
V-Nev
V-Nev
V-Nev
V-Nev
V-Nev
V-Nev
V-Nev
V-Nev
V-Nev
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
NEW CHURCH STARTS
Cool CA, Cool Mission
San Francisco, Addis Kidan
Page 12
NV-N
NV-P
ROSTER OF PASTORS
KEY: V=Voting
CH=Chaplain
A=Advisory SM=Special Ministry
EM=Emeriti CRM=Candidate
M=Missionary
SMP=Specific Ministry
NON=Non-Candidate
Abraham, Stanley R.
Adams, Ricky L.
Airey, Mark W.
Aldrich, Paul J.
Alvarado, Luis A.
Alvey, Ryan
Amen, Christopher
Anderson, Wayne A.
Arnold, Ronald L.
Bachman, Karl D.
Balgeman, Frank J.
Bamsch, Duane R.
Barnhart, Jerry W.
Bass, David R.
Becker, Stephen H.
Behnken, Ken
Berhmann, Frederick W.
Beilstein, James W.
Bell, Gary A.
Bell, Michael J.
Benke, Michael R.
Berndt, Bruce A.
Berner, Carl W. Jr.
Bestul, Dennis E.
Bestul, John C.
Betker, Bruce B.
Beyer, James D.
Beyer, Philip J.
Bierman, Edward A.
Binz, Curtis A.
Blasdel, Brady
Bliese, Karl H.
Bothwell, James R.
Bramwell, Tyrel E.
Bredeson, Jason J.
Brehmer, Charles A.
V
V
V
V
A Assc
V
V
A EM
A EM
A NON
A Asst
V
A EM
A EM
V
A EM
A EM
V
A EM
A Asst
A EM
A
A EM
V
A Assc
A EM
V
V
A NON
A NON
V
V
A EM
V
V
A EM
Brewer, Richard R.
Brockman, Wayne R.
Bugtong, Leonardo R.
Burch Jr., Herbert W.
Butt, James
Byrd, Joseph A.
Carney, William M.
Carver, David M.
Cassidy, John S.
Castaneda, Trinidad
Cavener, James H.
Cervantes, Jose
Chan, David S.
Chan, Terrence
Chanthaphon, Pon
Chu, William S.
Clausen, Julius, B.
Clawson, Ronald A.
Conrad, Daniel E.
Coyne, Jonathan J.
Crown, Stewart D.
Cusson, Brad G.
Dahmann, Roy L.
Davidenas, Eugene D.
Davis, Eli T.
DeHope, Kevin G.
DelCol, Christopher R.
Deuel, Daniel D.
Dirasse, Getabicha
Donaldson, Robert J.
Doolittle, John M.
Draeger, Harold S.
Dubke, Dallas D.
Durham, Dennis
Eckert, Stephen A.
Eisberg, Clarence H.
Page 13
A EM
A EM
A EM
A. M
A EM
V
V
V
A EM
A Assc
V
A Assc
V
V
A CH
V
A
A EM
A M
V
V
V
A EM
V
V
V
A CRM
V
A SM
A CRM
A CRM
A
V
A Assc
V
V
Ellis, William F.
Erickson, Michael D.
Ettner, Dann J.
Fajardo, Magdiel U.
Fantaye, Dereje
Faust, William J.
Felcher, Lonnie R.
Fickenscher, Robert F.
Floyd, David A.
Flynn, Alan J.
Franckowiak, Michael S.
Fricke, Milton E.
Froh, Charles E.
Gade, Dean R.
Garwood, Everett L.
Geach, John T.
Gebauer, Ethan C.
Geistlinger, Jack A.
Glaspie, James J.
Gotfredson, Larry L.
Gowen, Mitchell W.
Grammes, Richard
Gross, John P.
Gundermann, Milton W.
Haack, Lon R.
Haas, Mark W.
Halakhe, John
Hall, Michael D.
Hall, Rodney N.
Hardin, David
Hartman, Theodore E.
Heine, Mark G.
Herman, Don O.
Herrmann, John V.
Hess, Russell I.
Hilken, Dennis R.
Hilpert, Matthew R.
Hilton, Alan
Hochgrebe, Ryan W.
Hoffman, Charles R.
Hoffmann, Paul G.
Holt, Paul V.
Howen, Russell H.
Huber, Timothy L.
Hues, Daniel
Huss, John A.
V
A
A
V
V
A
V
A
V
V
V
A
A
A
V
V
A
A
A
A
V
A
V
A
V
V
A
V
V
V
A
V
A
A
V
V
V
V
V
A
A
V
A
A
A
V
EM
CH
EM
EM
EM
M
EM
EM
EM
NON
EM
EM
EM
SM
Assc
EM
EM
M
EM
EM
EM
Assc
Ista, Myron W.
Iverson, Theodore A.
Jacobsen, Frank A.
Jagow, Frederick W.
Janke, Paul B.
Jenks, Kenneth
Jennings, Lance R.
Jensen, Scott A.
Johnson, Benjamin C.
Jordan, Donald A.
Jow, Warren
Junkin, Robert L.
Kabel, James A.
Kah III, John W.
Kettner, Vernon R.
Kistler, Daniel L.
Klemsz, Scott C.
Kliewer, Mark A.
Koch, Robert J.
Kohlmeyer, Philip C.
Kramer, James F.
Kriger, Robert A.
Kringel, Ray R.
Krueger, Edwin A.
Krueger, John W.
Kuehn, Roger R.
Labrenz, Paul E.
Lai, Henry
Lai, Timothy J.
Lange, Jonathan C.
Lange, Michael R.
Larsen, James F.
Lau, Shiu Ming
Lee, Khai
Lepper, George A.
Ling, Timothy
Lopez, Zabdi
Mackereth, James R.
Marozik, John R.
Maschke, Jedidah T.
Mason, Leroy
Matranga, George J.
Merrick, Brandon
Meyer, A. Paul
Meyer, John-Paul
Miller, Larry A.
Page 14
A EM
A EM
A EM
A EM
A EM
A EM
A EM
A Assc
A Assc
V
V
A EM
A EM
V
A EM
V
V
V
A EM
V
A EM
A EM
A EM
V
V
V
A EM
V
A NON
A
A
A EM
V
A Assc
A EM
A EM
V
A NON
A EM
V
A EM
A EM
V
A EM
A EM
A EM
Milz, Norm
Mohr, Gary W.
Molnar, S. Christopher
Molyneux, Daniel R.
Moore, David R.
Morey, Jeffrey D.
Mueller, James W.
Mueller, John H.
Mueller, Theodore C.
Mueller, Thomas H.
Nagler, Stephen L.
Neff, Bruce
Newton, Robert D.
Ng, Christopher
Nicholus, Robert H.
Norris Jr., Thomas G.
Northend, William
O’Sullivan, Robert H.
Oatman, Mark A.
Oestmann, Vernon E.
Oetting,, Jonathan
Olson, N. Verner
Padilla, Benseslado
Pauling, Ruclare D.
Peperkorn, Todd A.
Perry, Scott D.
Peters, Matthew D.
Pfotenhauer, Paul E.
Piescer, Michael A.
Piotter, Alan G.
Plath, William H.
Poganski, David F.
Prange, Anton A.
Prill, David
Prinz, David C.
Putnam, Aaron
Rall, Bart P.
Ray, Don E.
Reed, James
Reese, David A.
Rice, Richard R.
Riddering, Wayne W.
Roberts, Bradley D.
Roberts, Robert R.
Robinson, Eric W.
Roschke, Paul N.
V
A EM
A EM
V
V
V SMP
A EM
V
A EM
A EM
A CH
A EM
A DP
A Assc
A EM
A Assc
V
V
V
A EM
V
A EM
A NON
V
V
V
V
A EM
A M
A EM
A EM
V
A EM
V
A EM
V
V
V
V
V
V
A Assc
A EM
A EM
V Assc
A Assc
Rose, David R.
Rowe, Daniel
Rowland, Robert C. II
Rubke, Walter C.
Rush, James R.
Russow, James R.
Sampson, Marlin J.
Sandate, Isidro
Sandberg, Darrill D.
Sauer, David M.
Schaaf, Kent R.
Scharnitzke, Philip J.
Schedler, Walter J.
Schepman, Timothy W.
Scherer, Henry A.
Scheuermann, John
Schlensker, Daniel A.
Schmid, Michael A.
Schneider, Donald D.
Schneider, Joshua
Schroeder, Robert
Schruhl, Joe E.
Schufreider, Jeffrey L.
Schuller, Isaac S.
Schultz, William K.
Schulz, Maynard
See, Soun
Self, Les H.
Seto, Lester
Seying, Kou
Sharpe, Thomas M.
Shaw, Vincent X.
Shoemaker, David T.
Slater, Thomas V.
Smith, Aaron R.
Smith, Kelly D. Sr.
Sohn, Edwin C.
Sommer, Alan J.
Standley, John M.
Stenbeck, Mark C.
Steyer, Martin W.
Stohlmann, David H.
Stringer, Gregory S.
Switzer, Matthew D.
Szeto, Lenny
Teachenor, Monroe S.
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A
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EM
EM
EM
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EM
EM
Assc
CRM
EM
Assc
CRM
EM
Asst
EM
CH
EM
EM
EM
EM
EM
Assc
EM
Temple, Evan J.
Tesema, Tesfai
Thompson, Matthew
Tietjen, Walter C.
Tin, David S. G.
Tyler, James W.
Tyler, Marty L.
Urena, Martin
Vallejo, Enrique
Van Scharrel, Eric
Vernava, Michael N.
Visser, Robert M.
Waetzig, Kalvin L.
Weller, Robert D.
Werth, Luther A.
Whaley, John H.
Whittaker, Mark C.
Wikstrom, Mark J.
Williams, Douglas R.
Willweber, Lloyd H.
Willweber, Stephen K.
Wilson, David E.
Windsor, Thomas J.
Woo, Daniel K.
Woodward, Peter
Wyneken, Karl H.
Young, Gregory S.
Youngdale, Ronald A.
Zabell, Philip W.
Zelt, Thomas J.
Zimmerman, Theodore B.
Zimmermann, James W.
Zutz, Alfred E.
A EM
A SM
V
A PR EM
V
A EM
V
A NON
A EM
A Assc
A EM
A EM
V
V
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A EM
V
V
V
A EM
A Assc
A Assc
A EM
V
V
A EM
V
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A EM
A EM
A EM
VICARS
Didanu, Berhanu
Fedder, Andrew
Gerloff, Gary
Gomez, Andrew Jr.
Morales, Moises
Rogness, Noah
Vallejo, Juan
Xiong, Doua
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ROSTER OF COMMISSIONED MINISTERS ‐Active A ‐ Administrator DCE ‐ Director of Christian Education D ‐ Early Childhood Director DEA ‐ Deaconess AGEE AGNEW ALLE ANDERSON ANWYL APPOLD ARELLANO BAHR BERGMAN BERGMAN BERTA‐SOMOGYI BISHOP BOEDER BOEHLE‐SILVA BOST BRUICK BURMESTER CARSON CHHOM CHUNG CID CLAPP CONNICK CULP DAHL DAHL DAVIS DE LA MOTTE DEVLIN DUECK DUECK ECKERT EHLERS Sara Elizabeth Bonniejo Eloise Evan Patrice Damian Donald Ann Paul Sarah Sarah James Pamela Tom George Ellen Lani Bethany Cynthia Jennifer Jill Sharon Rachel Valerie Inese Melissa Jennifer Anne Daniel Erin Betsy Megan M ‐ Missionary PN ‐ Parish Nurse T ‐ Teacher DCE T T T A A T T A T M T T RN T DCE T T T T T T T T T DCE T DCE T A T DCE T Page 17
GARCIA GARETSON GARRISON GAUDI GERLING GEWIRZ GLOCK GLOWINSKI GOWEN GREEN GROGGEL HAASE HALTER HARGER HEGGEMEIER HEINEMANN HOFF HOFFMAN HOFFMAN HOPSON HORNOR HOVATTER HOWARD HU HUANG KAIO KARGES KARLEN KING KLEINERT KLEMP KLEMP KLUG Susan Mary Alex R. David Kathleen Betsy Stephen Michael Nancy Amanda Heather Peggy Carol Steve Melanie Jonathan Cary Amy Eric Kathleen Carol Sarah Susan Anna Cynthia Andrea Lonnie Fred Janis Bruce Kyle Heather Christine T T T A T T T T T T T A M T T T DCE T T T T T T A D T A DCE D DCE T T T EITEL ENGELKING ERICKSON EVENSON FAIRBANK FLICK FUJII Sandy Kelly Douglas George Jane Challeene Karen A/DCE
T T A A T T KOERSCHEN KOIS KREBBS KRETZMANN KRUEGER KRUEGER KUEGELE Joel Heather Karen Dave Tracy Paul Laura ED EXEC
T T A T T DCE ROSTER OF COMMISSIONED MINISTERS A ‐ Administrator M ‐ Missionary DCE ‐ Director of Christian Education PN ‐ Parish Nurse D ‐ Early Childhood Director T ‐ Teacher DEA ‐ Deaconess KUSEKE LAHRMAN LAUGHLIN LEE LEVY LINDEN LUEHRS MADDEN MADDOCK MAIER MANCINI MANNING MANNING MANSFIELD McCORMICK McKINNEY McLAUGHLIN MEIER MEIER MELCHER MEYERS MIKELSON MILZ Stephen Sherri Donna Jenn David Janet Marjorie Noelle James Denise Mike Jarvis Amanda Erin Jamie Dereem Lisa Elisabeth Robert Ryan Amy Roxanne Charlene T D A T DCE DCE A T T T A T T T T T T T A T T T T Page 18
POPPE PRILL PRILL RAUHAUSER RAWLINS REHBEIN RINDT RODGERS ROTHAS SCHRIEFER SCHROPPEL SCHULTZE SCHUMACHER SEDDON SIEVERT SNYDER SOLHEIM SPEERS SPIVA SPIVA SPURGEON STANHOPE STEINER Jonathan Ann Jim Ann Cheryl Ann David Lauren Cyndi William Kristy Jennifer Jacob Tami Kat Arlene Christy Chelsea Dan Cynthia David Debra Pam T T A DEA T DEA T T T T T T T T DCE T T T T A DCE T T MOCKLER MOLINARI MORLOCK MORRIS NALE NELSON NELSON NEWTON NEWTON O'HARA PACKARD PARRISH PELLETIER PEREGOY PERNA PETERSON Gaye Matthew Kristi Sarah Charlotte Stephanie Michael Mike Melissa Jacob Trudy Amber Lorien Spencer Kari Molly T DCE T DCE T T T T T T A T T A T T STINSON STINSON SWENSON TALSMA THEWS THOMPSON THORNBURG TONG TRAPP VIGARS WAHLERS WALDIE WALKER WEISS WHEELER WILLIAMS Kathy Ed Debi Molly Mindy Juliet Tamara Allan Joshua Jeff Joel Melissa Michelle Katie Lynn Sina T T T T T DEA T DCE T T A T T T T DCE ROSTER OF COMMISSIONED MINISTERS A ‐ Administrator M ‐ Missionary DCE ‐ Director of Christian Education PN ‐ Parish Nurse D ‐ Early Childhood Director T ‐ Teacher DEA ‐ Deaconess WILLIAMS WILSON WILSON WILSON WILSON WINGERT WITTIG WITTIG WONG WORDEN WORTHINGTON ZIMBRICK ZINNEL Mary Gina Diane Lindsey Becky Angela David Marsha Ashley Shelly Katie Charles Nora DCE T T T T T A T M T T T T Page 19
ROSTER OF COMMISSIONED MINISTERS ‐‐ Inactive Candidate AMICK BLACKBURN BRAUER FELCHER HACKBARTH HEINITZ KRAMER KUEFNER NEWTON SATO SCHOBER VASQUEZ Debby Craig Fred Tanna Michael John Sarah Marla Janelle Stacy Nathanial Angela NonCandidate ALLEN BARKER BEILSTEIN BURKE CONNOR DIERKER DODD JACOB JASTER JUNKIN LEVY MASCHKE Jill Katie Mary Steven Deborah Steve Katie Karen Emily Daniel Natalie Anna CRM CRM CRM CRM CRM CRM CRM CRM CRM CRM CRM CRM MEAD METZ PIERCE REISDORF SCHMIDT SHULTS TESCH WEISHAAR WILLWEBER WILLWEBER WOO ZIMBRICK NCRM NCRM NCRM NCRM NCRM NCRM NCRM NCRM NCRM NCRM NCRM NCRM Page 20
Karen Ashley Aaron Marlys Victoria Nicholas Ruth Tammy Marie David Lisa Emilie NCRM NCRM NCRM NCRM NCRM NCRM NCRM NCRM NCRM NCRM NCRM NCRM ROSTER OF COMMISSIONED MINISTERS ‐‐ Emeritus BAUER BEHRENS BELTRAN BETHKE BETHKE BLANK BRAUER CAMPBELL COLYER DINGER ESKILSON GOLCHERT GOLDEN GUNDELACH HACKERD HAGENLOCHER HAUG‐SCHULZ HEBEL HEINICKE HESSLER JACOBSEN JACOBSEN JANSSEN JANSSEN KELL KLEIN KLEIN KNOEDLER KNOTT KOTTWITZ Vivian Gary Alice Susan William Norma Norm Irene Ken Stephen Edward Kurt J R Mary Ellen Aenne Jacqueline Karen William Dorothy Jo An John Jerry Arlene Donald Doris Charles Walter Diane Roger Page 21
KUCHENBECKER KUNERT LASSANSKE LAURENTE LIPSCOMB LISTON LUTZINGER MARA MARTY MERTES O'KEEFE PATTERSON PELLETIER REGINELLI REMMERT ROSIER SANDAU SCHINNERER SCHLIEBE SCHROEDER SENTER SIMON SOUZA SOUZA TIETMEYER WESTRUP WILLIAMS WILLWEBER ZIMMERMAN Randy Nancy Roland Marv Beverly Carol Norma Rodney Robert John Ruth Myra Lorine Marcy Celeste Lindamarie William Marillyn Charles Lydia Jack Laura Connie William Larry Susan Janice Sharon Elaine District President’s Report
Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ,
The Lord’s richest blessings be with you and the congregations that you serve. I send you my
deepest thanks and commendation for your desire to represent both your congregation and its
larger community at this the 70th Convention of the California-Nevada-Hawaii District. You are
a blessing to them and to all of your brothers and sisters in the CNH District. The theme for our
convention is “Run the Race: Eyes fixed on Jesus,” based on Hebrews, chapter 12:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also
lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with
endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and
perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,
despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Our theme places before us three important truths. First, we will gather as a convention of God’s
people in reverent thanks for the Christian men and women of the CNH District who faithfully
passed the saving Gospel to us — our mothers, fathers, pastors, teachers, DCEs and the like. I’m
reminded of the wonderful young Walther Leaguers who knocked on our front door while
canvassing neighborhoods in Napa, CA. They invited my mother to enroll my siblings and me in
Sunday School. Soon we were members of St. John Lutheran Church. Devout women enfolded
my young widowed mother in their faith life and ministries. My mother in turn taught me the
Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Apostles Creed. Our pastor, now with the Lord,
introduced me to world missions and encouraged me to pursue missionary service. My mother,
96 years strong remains a member there. (Hopefully you will have opportunity to meet her at the
convention.) Many of you share similar stories — testimonies of the incredible contribution
made to your lives by the “Great Cloud of Witnesses.”
Our convention theme not only calls us to give thanks for their ministry, it invites us to join
them, to run the race of faith that is set before us. Just as we were faithfully served, we’re called
to serve the emerging generations of young mothers, fathers, children and grandchildren. Our
call today seems more challenging than it was in the past, given that so many of this younger
generation live outside the influence of our churches and ministries. That should not discourage
or frighten us, however. While younger people may be beyond the earshot of our pulpits and
altars, they are not beyond the earshot of our personal lives. As in generations past God uses our
personal relationships as the primary way that the “unchurched” receive our love and our witness
of God’s love in Christ.
Secondly, our convention theme calls us to run our race of faith by looking to Jesus, who placed
this true faith in our hearts and keeps us in it. We don’t run for our Lord Jesus; we run with Him.
Even better, He runs with and ahead of us. That makes all the difference! Our theme encourages
us to keep our “eyes on Jesus.” Many in our LCMS today grieve over the displacement of
Christian churches in the public sphere as such churches have lost their significance in lives of
many younger people with increasing measure. Along with grief, others in our church fear the
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rise of godless secularism and its voiced threats against Christianity. Still others feel somewhat
lost, confused, not sure what to do to reach out into our communities with the Good News.
Those are very real and powerful feelings. As powerful feelings tend to do, they temp us to
focus on them and lose sight of our Savior. Consider the Apostle Peter’s great adventure on the
water! Thus the admonition from our theme verse (as the original language suggests), keeping
our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus we run the race set before us.
Finally, because we run with Jesus, we follow in the course that He set out to complete. Luther
writes so eloquently,
Savior of the nations, come,
Virgin’s son, make here your home!
Marvel now, O heav’n and earth,
That the Lord chose such a birth.
Then stepped forth the Lord of all
From His pure and kingly hall;
God of God, yet fully man,
His heroic course began.
God the Father was His source,
Back to God He ran His course.
Into hell His road went down,
Back then to His throne and crown.
Our Lord’s course was His cross. Our theme verse says it all: “who for the joy that was set
before him endured the cross.” You and I were the joy set before Him. The entire world of
broken people was the joy set before Him. Our Lord was sent by His Father to seek and to save
the lost, all of them. He is the Father’s great Missionary. That is what set His course, leading
Him to the cross, raising Him from the dead, and enthroning Him now as Lord of all of the
nations. He rejoiced knowing that His suffering would “make all things new”, reconciling us to
His Father and restoring His creation to the pristine beauty of God’s original design. As Lord of
all He still races to every corner of the earth with His Word of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Jesus invites us to join His course and follow Him into the world He loves so much. My prayer
for this convention is that God’s Holy Spirit compels each of us to run with Him the missionary
race God has set before us with the joy, hope, and the vigor that is ours when our eyes are fixed
firmly on the author and finisher of our faith.
District Milestones
Before getting into a review of our district’s work over the last triennium, we need to recognize
and celebrate a number of “runners” who faithfully keep Jesus before ours eyes. Thank you
pastors, teachers, DCE’s, other professional ministers and our lay leaders who serve our
congregations and communities through various ministries — worship, education, evangelism,
works of mercy, etc. Thank you Circuit Visitors for your partnership in providing counsel,
guidance, and encouragement to our 180+ congregations. Thank you Board of Directors—Vicepresidents, Lay Directors and other officers for providing accountable leadership for CNH in
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“keeping the main thing the main thing,” and that is, joining Jesus in His missionary race. Due
to term limitations, a number of members will conclude their service on the Board—Pastors
Mark Kliewer, Richard Rice, and Bruce Betker, along with Lay Directors Tim Kramer and
Henry Wentzlaff, and Commissioned Minister, Marla Kuefner. We also say goodbye to Lay
Director David Bultena who is not seeking a second term. All of these District leaders have
blessed us greatly.
We remember and celebrate two members of the Board who were called home to join our Good
Shepherd in eternity — Jack Adolphson and Pedar Wold. Jack retired from the BOD in 2012
and entered eternal life, August 12, 2012 after a fight with cancer. Jack not only served ably on
our BOD, he was extremely active in our District Human Care ministries and a pillar of faith in
his congregation, Trinity Lutheran Church, Sacramento.
Pedar served on our CNH Board as Lay Director of the Hawaii Region from its formation in
2009 until the Lord called Him home somewhat suddenly in September 2013. He blessed us
with joy, wisdom, and a wonderful sense of humor. We give thanks to our Lord for his faithful
service to the district, his wife, Lana, and family, and Christ Lutheran Church, Hilo.
Thank you Church Extension Fund, under the able leadership of President Don Busse, for
continuing to provide financial resources to house the missions and ministries of many
congregations and educational institutions. CEF continues to prove itself a true partner in
ministry as our churches face the opportunities and challenges of this “Post-Christian” era.
Finally great thanks to our District Staff, both its executives and assistants. We particularly
recognize the Reverend John Whaley who retired at the end of 2014 from full-time service with
the District. For more than 20 years, John has selflessly served the Synod and District in a
variety of leadership roles. As Business Executive under President Tietjen, he oversaw the
construction of our Ministry Center. As one of three Regional Mission Counselors he assisted
the several congregations in the District’s Southern and Hawaii Regions in their ministry and
mission outreach. While working diligently in this position, John completed the Cross-Cultural
Ministry Center program at Concordia University, Irvine earning a Master’s Degree in Theology
and Culture and certification for pastoral ministry by Concordia Seminary. He was ordained in
2009 and returned to Livermore to serve as Executive Director of the District and provide staff
support for our several cross-cultural ministries. In response to a key resolution of the 2012
District Convention, John focused on assisting our several smaller rural and urban congregations
in their ministry and mission planning and transition strategies. While John is retiring from his
full-time position, his work for the district will continue part-time, serving small rural and urban
churches He is also coordinating the logistics for this District Convention.
Our Triennium’s Work at a Glance
The vision guiding our district for the past twelve years is that our churches understand their role
and be equipped to serve as missionary out-posts in their communities. Key to realizing this
vision is reorienting ourselves to ministry in a post-Christian world. The Lord has called us in
CNH to proclaim the Gospel in contexts where the Christian church has for the most part been
marginalized in our West coast society. I have desired that we understand and embrace the fact
that our “outsider” or “alien” status is not by human accident but by Divine design. We are
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“elect exiles of the dispersion” as St. Peter reminds his first century readers. This paradigm has
taken root in the CNH including our Board of Directors, Circuits and the majority of our
congregations and schools.
Board of Director Strategic Outcomes
Under the able leadership of our First Vice-President, Paul Hoffmann, our CNH Board of
Directors initiated four specific outcomes that centered on the Mission of Christ to the world.
Each outcome was designed to challenge and assist our congregations in their proclamation of
the Gospel and ministry to all people.
Outcome #1: Church Planting and Mission Advancement – “The CNH District will work
together with its congregations, clergy, professional workers, and laity to promote mission
awareness, advancement, and education which will culminate in new mission outreach from
existing congregations and new church plants within the CNH District.”
The formation of the CNH Mission Agency by our District Board of Directors in March of 2013
was in direct response to the above outcome as well as Resolution #1-03 at our 69th District
Convention. The Mission Agency then began its work by forming an Agency Board;
determining its purpose, strategies, and funding; and ultimately calling a New Missions
Counselor: Rev. Michael Lange who began his work in August of 2013.
God has blessed His mission in the CNH District during this triennium. We have promoted
mission awareness, advancement, and education by (1) holding “Taste of the CNH” events
around our District. (2) We have promoted Mission Vision and Awareness in person in more
than 40 congregations around our District. (3) We have hosted a Mission conference in April of
2014 to encourage and assist our laity, (Our second annual conference is being held in the midst
of our 70th convention.) (4) We publish editions of CNH “Missional Leadership:” an e-magazine;
“In Mission:” a regular mission newsletter; added CNH mission web-pages; began a CNH
Missions social media presence; and a twice-monthly prayer newsletter. (5) Advancement
efforts have begun the process of building a regular base of generous mission givers as
awareness of the CNH Mission Agency as its work grows. (6) We have partnered with Dwelling
114 to provide learning communities in three different regions around the CNH District. (7)
Congregation Mission Mini-grants are now available to assist and give a “boost” to
congregations who benefit by assistance in reaching their community with creative evangelistic
plans. (8) Several Hands-on- Mission Events have been sponsored around the District with
hopes to sponsor more in the next triennium. (9) A mission prayer network is being put in place
using the CNH Mission Agency Prayer newsletter as its communication tool.
We praise God that His kingdom is being revealed by the baptized in our congregations who are
growing in their awareness of the opportunities they have to join Jesus in His mission every day.
We have also been blessed to experience the planting of the following churches and satellite
church this triennium:
(1) Addis Kidan (New Covenant) – two locations in San Francisco;
(2) Faith Lutheran in So. San Francisco, (Chinese);
(3) St. John’s Valley of Faith, (1st and 2nd generation Latino), in Arvin, CA, satellite of
St. John’s in Bakersfield.
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In addition to this, 6 new mission ministries and faith communities are in the incubation and
launch stage:
(1) He-Nani-Pu Aloha in Waianae, HI (Hawaiian indigenous work in partnership
withLutheranIndianMinistries);
(2) Good Shepherd in Hayward (1.5 Generation Millenial Mosaic Church Plant)
(3) Lutheran (Oromo language group) meeting at Good Shepherd in Hayward;
(4) Joy of Harvest Hmong mission work (So. Sacramento, Greenhaven Lutheran)
(5) Davis Ethiopian ministry at Our Faith Davis also sponsored by Town and
Country, Sacramento, CA
(6) LINC Bay Area is also in the incubation stage in partnership with LINC Houston
under the part-time leadership of Rev. Aaron Putnam and the support of
Prince of Peace in Fremont as well as the CNH Mission Agency.
Intentional Mission Partner Revitalizations are underway at Our Savior, Chester and First in
Greenville, CA. Similar work is being considered at three more locations around the CNH. We
praise God for congregations who are exploring church plant opportunities including Bethlehem
in Carson City, (S. Lake Tahoe) and Peace in Arroyo Grande. Our CNH Hispanic Council aided
by part-time Hispanic Counselor, Enrique Vallejo, is examining the expansion of or beginning of
new work in Windsor, Watsonville, and Gridley, CA as well as several other less developed
sites. They have chosen to focus on developing our present Latino/ Hispanic congregational
sites to train for multiplication-based discipleship, the development of leaders, and churchplanting techniques so that Gospel proclamation might be increased in this area.
We thank God for all he has done as we run His Mission Race.
Outcome #2: Continuing Education -- "The CNH District will provide training opportunities
and resources helpful for church workers and laity as they participate in Christ's mission to the
world.”
The district has addressed our congregations’ continuing education needs on several
fronts but primarily from a single vantage point: What do our leaders need to have in
their tool boxes to be faithful ministers of the gospel in a multi-dimensional mission field.
Our pastors, teachers, and churches serve in at least three very different mission contexts:
1) Pre-Christian (including immigrant populations from non-Christian countries), 2)
Churched culture (including populations from countries still influenced strongly by the
church, such as Latin America), and 3) Post-Christian culture (which is made up
primarily of Anglo-Saxon/Northern European cultures. Intentionally targeted for
continuing education were (1) Circuit Visitors (known previously as Circuit Counselors),
(2) Hispanic pastors, (3) Congregational leaders, (4) Pastors and Professional Educators
in annual conferences, (5) Lay men and women interested in being effective witnesses of
Jesus (6) New pastoral graduates from our seminaries, and (7) Training events beyond
CNH. Workshops and training events included,
1) Specific training for Circuit Visitors on congregational visitations as prescribed
by the Synodical bylaws
2) Under the Center for Hispanic Studies of Concordia Seminary several continuing
education courses for our Latino pastors and their spouses.
3) Congregational leadership workshops
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a. Several Congregational leadership workshops on effective governance and
strategic planning
b. Congregational workshops on project management
c. The Engaging Rural Communities Workshop, co-sponsored by the CNH
District and the LCMS Rural and Small Town Mission (RSTM)
d. Conferences/workshops on Disaster Preparedness and Ministry in the
Community following disasters
4) Topics of the annual conferences for our pastors and professional educators have
focused specifically on a number of missional topics:
a. Pastoral Conferences
i. The New Testament Church and its Non-Christian world
ii. Outreach ministry to the rising “NONES” population.
iii. Ministry to and with the Disabled
b. Circuit Forums
i. Post-churched mission strategy
c. Professional Teachers
i. Early Childhood Education and the post-Christian environment
ii. Team Building
iii. Principal’s Workshop on “Behavioral Interviewing”
d. Intentional Interim Ministry
i. IIM ministry in Post-churched contexts
5) For our mission minded laity and pastors
a. The Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) in concert with CNH hosted a
Regional Outreach Conference (ROC) in early 2013.
b. In early April 2014 the CNH Missions Agency hosted its first missions
conference at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Livermore, with nearly 300 on site
and another 70 connected through video conference. Greg Finke was the key note
presenter.
c. CEF held its district conference May 30-June 1, 2014 in Sacramento with
Lutheran Hour Speaker, Greg Seltz as keynote speaker. Focus was on passing the
faith and the mission of the church on to the next generation.
d. A Mission Strategy Summit was held January 23-24, 2015 with 55 CNH leaders
in attendance.
6) In partnership with NOW and PSW Districts: District leaders formed a partnership in
equipping missional leaders for our Post-Churched West Coast. Our first target group is
26 new graduates from the seminary during their first two years of ministry
7) Beyond CNH (CNH President)
a. Mission training at PLI Missional Leadership Conference (April 2014) on
Missio Dei, Post-Churched terrain, and Missional Leadership
b. All professional workers conference in Nebraska (Spring 2014) on
Ministry in a Post-churched world (Eternal Word, Changing Worlds)
Outcome #3: Revitalization -- The CNH District will promote ministry renewal among its
professional workers and congregations for participating in the mission of Christ.
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We focused our district resources on Congregational Revitalization with a goal of developing
locally based mission outreach. This renewal effort centered in two related initiatives:
“Transforming for Mission” and “Sustainable Mission.”
CNH’s “Transforming for Mission”, in concert with Synod’s national revitalization program,
Transforming Churches Network (TCN), combines team consultations, continuing education,
and coaching for congregations, pastors, and leaders to become more mission minded and work
to establish additional mission outposts. Nine new congregations participated in the
“Transforming for Mission” process during this triennium bringing the total number of
congregations involved to 44. These congregations progress at their own speed and continue to
adapt to an ever-changing culture. Key elements of revitalization include a refocused vision;
streamlined governance; outreach strategies; engaged laity; leadership development; and
coaching. Congregations find this process helpful during times of transition and/or times of
ministry plateaus.
Over the past triennium, three congregations participated in the “Sustainable Mission” process.
This process focuses exclusively on the strategies for connections in the local community.
Congregations identify where they have had effective outreach in the past and where new
opportunities are presenting themselves. They then develop a plan to implement effective
outreach. Congregations find this process helpful when the overall system is operating well, but
they have the desire to reach out more effectively.
Due to his experience and passion in “turn-around” ministries, the Rev. Ted Hartman has
overseen this revitalization ministry for the last several years. In that time he has added to his
team several pastors and lay leaders who faithfully serve congregations in the revitalization
process including lifting these congregations up to the Lord in prayer, participating in
consultation weekends, assisting congregations in next steps such as missional visioning and
congregational governance, serving as mission/ministry coaches for the pastors and key lay
leaders involved in the revitalization process. A significant revitalization network has developed
in the district. Again, my deepest appreciation goes to Ted and team for service well done and to
our Board of Directors for recognizing the critical role this revitalization ministry plays in the
work of the district to challenge and assist congregations in their Kingdom service.
Outcome #4: Small Church Ministries -- The CNH District will provide support and resources
to rural/urban small ministries to help build ministry capacity for Christ’s mission.
The CNH District in convention directed the District President to “provide staff and material
resources in support of rural ministry,” (resolution 3-05, 2012 District Convention). To respond
to this action, the District Board of Directors developed the outcome, “The CNH District will
provide support and resources to rural/urban small ministries to help build ministry capacity for
Christ’s mission.” Unable, financially speaking, to add staff specifically dedicated to Rural
Ministry, I asked the Rev. John Whaley to transition from serving my office as Executive
Assistant to the President to address this concern, both in meeting with several of our smaller
rural and urban churches and assessing their specific needs. A large part of being able to
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understand and then respond to this outcome was visiting and listening to our pastors and people
of the smaller congregations.
To start, its helpful to understand or remember that we are a church body primarily made up of
smaller congregations. This is seen in our District as represented by the following statistics: Of
the 185 congregations, 41% have 100 communicants or less; 39% have 75 communicants or less;
and 25% have 50 communicants or less. (2011 Synodical Statistical report)
Many of the same questions and challenges are being asked by our rural and urban small
congregations: how does a congregation of 35, 50 or even 100 in membership find a way to
continue in vital ministry? What skills do small church leaders – both laity and pastor – need to
remain effective in their community? How can small membership congregations rediscover a
sense of their own mission so they can remain passionate about being what Christ calls them to
be? And for some, they have begun to think about what their legacy for ministry might be.
In John’s visits and working with the leaders, the following seemed to surface the most: all have
a love for their Lord; all are engaged in some way in service to their community (although many
don’t see these activities as direct ministry); most all have some concern regarding finances and
many rely on endowment funds or other third source income to manage their budgets; many have
concerns over deferred maintenance with their property; and many cannot now or in the future be
able to support a full-time pastor.
All too often the temptation for smaller congregations is to lament what was, or hope to regain
what may have been in the past. The congregations and leaders I have found to be most healthy
in their ministry are ones that do not hope to regain or retain the past, but have looked at the
current needs of their communities and have launched ministries to address those needs, using
the gifts and talents of their current membership. They have adapted their ministry and resources
to reach out to their community.
The challenge for the staff (all of us really) in resourcing the smaller congregation in the future
will be in developing ways to provide or train local leadership for ministry, including Word and
Sacrament ministry. We will need to continue to be open to different options including dualparish calls, worker priest, the use of licensed lay Deacons, retired pastors, and pulpit supply.
And for some, it may be time to consider concluding ministry and plan a God-pleasing legacy for
the use of the resources.
Lutheran Education
Education remains a critical ministry link between our churches and the larger society, thus, our
Lutheran schools, pre-schools, and early childhood centers continue to serve as vital mission and
ministry centers in our communities. Presently we have 65 schools in our district with over
6,850 children attending. Over 25% of these children are unchurched. In the last three years
we have had reported 252 baptisms of children and 74 adult baptisms or confirmations that have
resulted directly through their ministries.
Our Lutheran schools reflect the changing cultural and ethnic landscape of our CNH District.
Where once our schools were intended primarily for the children of our Saxon immigrants, today
less than 60% of the children would claim Anglo-Saxon heritage. The other 40% come from
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Asian, Latino, African American, Pacific Islander, and African immigrant populations.
We give thanks to the Lord that He has allowed Joel Koerschen to continue serving as our
district education executive. Eighteen months ago Joel underwent a heart transplant at
Stanford. In thanking the Lord, we also thank the many people He used to bring this incredible
healing to our dear brother.
Brief Report on Resolutions from the 69th Convention of
The California-Nevada-Hawaii District
Two resolutions were passed at our convention in 2012 that require reporting back to this
convention.
Resolution 3-02 “To Establish a Task Force for Ministry to and with People with Disabilities
A task force comprised of a number of lay leaders and pastors with demonstrated interest and
acumen in the area of Disability Ministry has met regularly since its inception in the Summer of
2012. It completed the tasks specifically assigned to it by this resolution (prepare a
congregational assessment tool) and addressed other disability ministry concerns in the district.
Working closely with Bethesda ministries the task force hosted a two day disabilities ministry
conference alongside the Spring 2014 Pastoral Conference entitled “That my house may be full”
focusing on ministry to the disabled. Dr. Jack Preus as essayist led us in developing a theology
for ministry to and with disabled people. A number of excellent workshops offered practical
help for ministry to/with disabled people. We are grateful for the excellent work of this task
force and encourage its continuance in the next triennium.
Resolution 3-05 “To Provide Staff and Material Resources in Support of Rural Ministry
In response to this resolution, the BOD made “Small Church Ministries” one of its four
outcomes for this triennium (see report above). Unable, financially speaking, to add staff
specifically dedicated to Rural Ministry, I asked the Rev. John Whaley to transition from serving
my office as Executive Assistant to the President to address this concern, both in meeting with
several of our smaller rural and urban churches and to assess their specific needs. In partnership
with the LCMS Rural Ministry focus a district wide workshop was held to assist smaller
congregations with their ministries in rural areas. John also worked with several circuits in
addressing the concerns of our smaller congregations. John has kept the BOD fully apprised of
his research. I commend John for diligently addressing this resolution and the personal attention
he has given to many of our small congregations. Based on the response of circuits and
congregations to this resolution I am recommending that continued attention be given to this
need on a church-by-church basis utilizing part-time contracted staff.
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Changes in the District – 2012 - 2014
2012 -- PASTORS
ENTERED THE DISTRICT:
Anderson, Wayne A., (PSW) pastor emeritus, January 30.
Bell, Michael J. (Coll) St. John, Bakersfield, CA, Assistant, August 26 by D. Hilken.
Carver, David M. (MT) Grace, San Mateo, CA, November 4 by S. Crown.
Glover, John, E. (NILL), candidate, May 15.
Johnson, Benjamin C. (SL) Prince of Peace, Fremont, CA, Associate, August 19 by R. Newton
(ordained July 15 by D. Nadasdy).
Lee, Khai, (EIIT-SL) Peace, Fresno, CA, Associate, November 11 by R. Newton (ordained
November 11 by R. Newton).
Morey, Jeffrey D. (SMP-St. Louis) Trinity, Stockton, CA, July 1, by T. Huber (ordained July 1
by R. Newton).
Roschke, Paul N. (Coll) Emmanuel, Kahului, HI, Associate, August 25 by M. Gowen (ordained
August 25 by B. Betker).
See, Soun, (EIIT-SL) Grace, Visalia, CA, Assistant, December 2, by C. Eisberg (ordained
December 2 by R. Newton).
Switzer, Matthew D. (ENG) Trinity, San Rafael, CA, February 12, by P. Hoffmann.
Werth, Luther A. (MI) pastor emeritus, July 19.
CHANGES WITHIN THE DISTRICT:
Chan, David T., Christ for All Nations, San Francisco, CA, September 21, 2008, no formal
installation.
Chan, Terrence, Christ for All Nations, San Francisco, CA, September 21, 2008, no formal
installation.
Gaub, Richard M., candidate, St. Luke, Santa Rosa, CA, September 23, by J. Mueller.
Glover, John E., Bethlehem, Berkeley, CA, November 25, by R. O’Sullivan.
Molnar, Stephen C., Grace, Crescent City, CA, no formal installation
Tesema, Tesfai, Bethesda Lutheran Communities, February 12, by C. Werth.
Thompson, Matthew E., Trinity, San Jose, CA, September 30, by R. Newton.
TRANSFERRED TO OTHER DISTRICTS:
Bergstrom, Martin E. to Mid-South; Buringrud, Daniel to Eastern; Lee, Stephen C. to Northern
Illinois; Moreno, Jason A. to Missouri; Rabe, Mark A. to Florida-Georgia; Schneider, Donald
D. to Montana.
INACTIVE/CAND, NON-CAND OR EM:
DelCol, Christopher R. (CAND); Doolittle, John M. (CAND); Froh, Charles E. (EM); Padilla,
Benseslado C. (EM); Scharnitzke, Philip J. (NON-CAND); Schlensker, Daniel (CAND);
Shaw, Vincent X. (NON-CAND); Stringer, Gregory S. (CAND); Vallejo, Gabriel E. (EM).
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DECEASED:
Baumgartner, John D.; Claasen, Donald K.; Wyneken, Gerald E.
REMOVED FROM THE ROSTER:
Koch, Ronald E.
2013 -- PASTORS
Hochgrebe, Ryan W. (SL) Mt. Olive, Folsom, CA, July 14 by R. Newton (ordained June 9 by
R.L. Hagan).
Hues, Daniel J. (SL) Redeemer, Fresno, CA, Associate, August 24 by C. Eisberg (ordained
August 24 by R. Newton).
Huss, John A. (OK) Mount Olive, Milpitas, CA, February 10 by J. Whaley.
Rall, Bart P. (SL) Bethlehem, Monterey, CA, August 18 by R. Newton (ordained July 28 by G.
Bode).
Riddering, Wayne W. (RM) Peace, Arroyo Grande, CA, Associate, July 14 by J. Mackereth.
Schepman, Timothy W. (SE) candidate, April 5.
Schuller, Isaac S. (FW) First Immanuel, San Jose, CA August 25 by G. Vallejo (ordained
August 25 by R. Newton).
Smith, Kelly D. Sr. (MI) Calvary, San Lorenzo, CA, January 6 by R. Newton.
Becker, Stephen H., Associate to Sole Pastor, Greenhaven, Sacramento, CA, April 7 by M.
Haas.
Beyer, Philip J., Good Shepherd, Honolulu, HI, August 18 by B. Betker.
Fickenscher, Robert F., Bethlehem, Monterey, CA no formal installation.
Floyd, David A., Benicia Lutheran, Benicia, CA, August 18 by D. Moore.
Lange, Michael R., CNH District, Livermore, CA, December 6, by R. Newton.
Schlensker, Daniel A., Shepherd of the Hills, Lake Isabella, CA, February 17 by D. Conrad.
Stringer, Gregory S., Bethany Vacaville, CA, Associate, November 17 by V. Oestmann.
Werth, Luther A., Our Savior, Livermore, CA no formal installation.
Boylan, Shawn V. to Central Illinois; Francisco, Thurman (Tim) to Pacific Southwest; Guse,
Travis B. to Northwest; Hazel, Shawn F. to Northwest; Johnson, Eric C. to Southern; Lutjens,
Robert W. to Texas; Lutz, Clinton J. to Northwest; Rhodes, Thomas A. to Missouri; Seible,
Robert D. II to Rocky Mountain.
Page 32
Benke, Michael R. (EM); Boylan, Shawn V. (NON-CAND); Erickson, Michael D. (NONCAND); Fickenscher, Robert F. (EM); Francisco, Thurman (Tim) (EM); Lutjens, Robert W.
(NON-CAND); Molnar, Stephen C. (EM); Ortiz, Luis E. (NON-CAND); Olson, N. Verner,
(EM); Rose, David R. (EM); Scherer, Henry A. (EM); Tyler, Marty L. (CAND); Willweber,
Lloyd H. (EM).
DECEASED:
Baron, Donald W.; Geiger, Oren H.; Hanebutt, Robert L.; Koberg, Sergei S.; Mireles, B. R.
Ortiz, Luis E.; Oswald, Orval M.; Sievers, Philip W.; Uhlig, John P.
2014 -- PASTORS
Blasdel, Brady W. (TX) St. Philip, Dublin, CA, August 17, by T. Chan.
Bramwell, Tyrel E. (FW) Our Savior/First, Chester/Greenville, CA, June 22 by M. Kliewer
(ordained June 22 by M. Kliewer).
Castaneda, Trinidad (OK) St. John, Bakersfield, CA, Associate, December 21 by M. Lange.
Fajardo, Magdiel U. (FW) Grace, Santa Maria, CA, July 10 by M. Whittaker (ordained July 10
by R. Rice).
Halakhe, John H. (Kenya) Ministry Consultant, Bethesda Lutheran Communities, Fresno, CA,
May 18 by D. Cecil.
Hardin, David S. (SL) St. Paul, Woodland, CA, July 20 by M. Scherer (ordained July 20 by M.
Haas).
Jennings, Lance R. (NOW) pastor emeritus, October 17.
Kettner, Vernon R. (MNS) pastor emeritus, October 17.
Northend, William A. (MI) Faith, Sonoma, CA, September 7 by R. Newton.
Peters, Matthew D. (SL) Peace, Sacramento, CA, July 20 by H. Scherer (ordained July 13 by R.
Newton.
Schaaf, Kent R. (SE) Grace, Grass Valley, CA, February 23 by J-P Meyer.
Scheuermann, John H. Jr. (SL) St. Luke, Reno, NV, Associate, August 3 by M. Kliewer
(ordained August 3 by M. Kliewer).
Schneider, Donald R. (MT) candidate, August 13.
Van Scharrel, Eric (MNN) St. John, Bakersfield, CA, Associate, August 17 by R. Newton.
Alvey, Ryan C., Trinity, Wahiawa, HI, March 2, by M. Gowen.
Burch, Herbert W. Jr., Area Facilitator and Strategic Mission Developer, Lima Peru, May 7 by
R. Newton.
Chan, David T., Faith, South San Francisco, CA, August 30 by R. Newton.
Conrad, Daniel E., Theological Education Coordinator, Mexico City, Mexico, October 7 by R.
Newton.
Page 33
Hoffman, Charles R., Missionary, International Lutheran Church, Seoul, Korea, October 19 by
C. Hanson.
Merrick, Brandon P., Our Savior, Paradise, CA, December 21 by J. Cavener.
Prill, David J., Resurrection, Brentwood, CA, October 26 by M. Lange.
Schedler, Walter J., Bethlehem, Colusa, CA, November 16 by J-P Meyer.
Shaw, Vincent X., Ministry to the Armed Forces, AF, October 26 by P. Houser.
Tesema, Tesfai Z., Missionary-at-Large, CNH District, October 7 by R. Newton.
Tyler, Marty L., Grace, Crescent City, CA, March 23 by R. Newton.
Beck, Timothy E. to Ohio; Borchers, Eric E. to Texas; Glover, John E. to FL-GA; Muhly,
Jonathan to Northwest; Rollefson, Stace D. to Texas; Schatz, Donald D. to Northwest; Tesch,
Philip C. to Southeastern; Tinetti, Ryan P. to Northwest.
Chan, David T. (CAND); Dahmann, Roy L. (EM); Larsen, James F. (EM); Roberts, Bradley
D. (EM); Tyler, James W. (EM); Vernava, Michael N. (EM); Urena, Martin (NON-CAND);
Windsor, Thomas J. (EM).
DECEASED:
Berner, Carl W. Jr.: Quebe, Stanley A.; Schabacker, Martin C. Jr.; Sorenson, James H.
Page 34
BOARD OF DIRECTORS REPORT TO THE
DISTRICT CONVENTION
The Board of Directors’ role is to establish higher level goals that the district president and staff
can accomplish within a triennium, and to provide feedback for the president to insure the
accomplishment of those goals.
2013-2015 OUTCOMES & METRICS
Listed below are the Outcomes and Metrics as adopted by the CNH Board of Directors during
the Triennium.
Outcome #1 - Church Planting and Mission Advancement
"The CNH District will work together with its congregations, clergy, professional workers,
and laity to promote mission awareness, advancement, and education which will
culminate in new mission outreach from existing congregations and new church plants
within the CNH District."
Strategies and Metrics
a)
We will form a CNH Mission Agency whose primary purpose is to reach those who do
not know Christ. This agency will:
i) Highlight mission outreach through print and social media.
ii) Assist in determining district (regional) mission strategy and resource allocation.
iii) Assist in providing ongoing oversight for new work, including providing
assistance in supervision of missionaries, counsel in “funding the mission,” vision
planning, and strategic review training to the Congregations, Mission Societies
and Circuits receiving mission loans and grants
iv) 6 new faith communities will be started in this triennium
b)
We will Build, equip and encourage a solid network of mission-minded professional
church workers and lay leaders dedicated to the planting of new faith communities.
i) Through an annual energizing and encouraging mission conference experience
ii) Through Missional learning communities developed in each region
iii) Through three “Hands on Mission” opportunities each year within the District
c)
We will deliberately raise resources through prayer, people and funding
i) Missional resource events will be offered at least once in every circuit in the
District by the District Convention in 2015
ii) Recruitment of partners in mission including:
(1) Mission Communication leaders appointed for each circuit
(2) Prayer Partners one in each congregation
(3) CNH Mission Donors (100 pledged to designate regular gifts to CNH
mission agency)
(4) Donor Funding -- $150,000 by end of triennium
d)
We will challenge and assist congregations, mission societies, and circuits to plant faith
communities that focus on reaching those who do not yet know Christ.
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i)
ii)
Develop the CNH Church planting vision, which includes multi-cultural
opportunities, by December BOD Meeting 2013
The CNH Church planting vision will be shared with 40 congregations, every
circuit, and interested individuals by April 2015
Outcome #2 - Continuing Education
"The CNH District will provide training opportunities and resources helpful for church
workers and laity as they participate in Christ's mission to the world.
Strategies and Metrics
a)
We will target the following groups
i) Church and mission professionals
ii) Laity.
b)
We will use an on-line system and a variety of other learning venues in the educational
process.
Outcome #3 - Revitalization
The CNH District will promote ministry renewal among its professional workers and
congregations for participating in the mission of Christ.
Strategies and Metrics:
a) Transforming for Mission consultations will continue for congregations seeking a
diagnostic feedback of their current ministry situation with initial directions for positive
steps forward. Four of these will be held per year for a total of twelve over the next
three years. Specific resources will be provided to allow congregations to address
prescriptions (Vision, Governance, etc.)
b) Sustainable Mission consultations will continue for congregations looking specifically to
build from a healthy base into expanding outreach in their communities. Congregations
will be recruited to develop a new ministry within twelve months. Six of these will be
held each year for a total of eighteen over the next three years.
c) Effective Coaching/Mentoring relationships will be established with fifty percent of the
younger (less than 50 years old) pastors over the next three years. Coaching/Mentoring
relationships will be developed with twenty-five percent of pastors who have been in
active ministry five years or less and who are more than 50 years old.
d) Six new mission plants will be generated over the next three years in partnership with
healthy District congregations (see Outcome #2, Church Planting and Mission
Advancement).
e) Six Resource Events will be held each year for the next three years. Three of those per
year will focus on “Pastoral Formation and Skill Development.” Three of those per year
will focus on both pastor and lay leadership “Ministry Growth and Skill Development.” An
additional Resource Event will be held each year in Hawaii and Nevada. (See Outcome
#1Continuing Education)
Outcome #4 - Small Church Ministries
The CNH District will provide support and resources to rural/urban small ministries to
help build ministry capacity for Christ’s mission.
Page 36
Strategies and Metrics:
a) Through a variety of means, identify critical factors regarding small church ministry by
the end of the first year of the triennium:
i) Identify which congregations have pastors planning to retire within 2-3 years.
ii) Identify what the biggest need(s) are perceived to be.
iii) Identify what programs/community events may be working well within a given
context
b) Develop strategies for small membership churches to maintain or regain vital ministry.
c) Develop toolbox of skills for small church leaders - both lay and pastor - to remain
effective in ministry.
d) Develop a variety of strategies for small membership congregations to continue word
and sacrament ministry at times of pastoral transition.
e) Assist small congregations to rediscover their ministry in their communities and their
unique role in the mission of Christ.
f) Assist congregations to become aware of cross cultural ministry opportunities in their
communities.
g) Partner with Revitalization Director with Revitalization strategy #3-e.
--------In addition to making progress toward these goal-oriented outcomes, the District President and
Staff provide important services which assist a number of District congregations, including
providing call lists, treasurer training and help, school or preschool advice on numerous issues,
and counseling and advice on many topics.
The District Board of Directors interacts with the District President through the use of PolicyBased Governance. At the beginning of the Triennium, some pros and cons of this system of
interaction were discussed. In order to make this style of interaction as productive as possible,
the Board approved hiring a nationally known LCMS consultant, Mr. Les Stroh, to provide input
and guidance in our use and understanding of effective Policy-Based Governance. The Board
has been going through a process of assessing our policies, with the goal of making this
governance system more effective and manageable. The Board plans to present these policy
changes as a gift to the new Board of Directors.
There has been a trend over recent years of steadily decreasing giving by many District
congregations to the District and the Synod. To fully meet the needs of yearly District budgets,
funds from the Board controlled Fund have been consistently used over the past years. During
the Triennium the Board clarified the use of the Board Designated Funds by setting a minimum
for reserves for the fund of 1.3 million dollars. The Board also approved that in future sales of
church properties one-third of the proceeds will go to the Board Designated Fund and two-thirds
will go to the new Mission Agency Fund.
Regarding contributions, when receiving designated contributions, the District always makes
use of those funds in accordance with the intent of the donors. In the case of undesignated
funds, amounts of up to $10,000 will be placed in the District’s General Operations budget, and
Page 37
any remaining funds are placed in the Board Designated General Fund, which must keep a
minimum of $1.3 million for contingencies and emergency District needs. When church or
District properties are sold, 1/3 of the proceeds are placed in the Board Designated General
Fund, and 2/3 of the proceeds go to the District’s Mission Agency.
During the Triennium the Board approved the creation of a new Mission Agency to oversee the
District’s mission efforts. Board Outcome #1 says, "The CNH District will work together with
its congregations, clergy, professional workers, and laity to promote mission awareness,
advancement, and education which will culminate in new mission outreach from existing
congregations and new church plants within the CNH District." Pastor Mike Lange was
called to be its Executive Director. To assist the Mission Agency in beginning its important
work, the Board made available $500,000 of the Board’s Designated funds, and also supplies
each year to the Mission Agency the amount from the District budget that has been earmarked
for Missions. The District Board approves the yearly budget of the Mission Agency, and has two
District Board members serving on the Mission Agency Board.
Audits are performed as required, with consistently excellent reports given. Two law suits were
settled during the Triennium. The District has reviewed District internal practices and policies
and is working more closely with legal counsel in an attempt to reduce the risk of potential or
threatened District liability.
Your District Board of Directors has worked hard this past Triennium to serve the mission and
ministry of the CNH District. I join you in giving thanks for their dedication to Jesus Christ and
His Church.
CNH Board of Directors (2012 – 2015)
(Voting)
Vice President – Rev. Paul Hoffmann
REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS AND DIRECTORS:
Southern – Rev. Richard Rice and Mr. David Bultena
Pacific – Rev. Hal Draeger and Mr. Timothy Kramer
Northern – Rev. Mark W. Haas, Mr. Ken Shotts (Moved), Mr. Armand Vattuone
Hawaii – Rev. Bruce R. Betker, Mr. Pedar Wold (Deceased), Mrs. Dinnie Kysar
Nevada – Rev. Mark A. Kliewer, Mr. Henry Wentzlaff
Commissioned Minister – Marla Kuefner
(Non-Voting)
President – Rev. Robert Newton
Secretary – Rev. John M. Standley
Treasurer – Donna Herzog
Church Extension Fund – Mr. William Swift, (and more recently) Scott Belyea
Your friend in Christ,
Pastor Paul Hoffmann --First Vice President
Page 38
Report for the CNH‐Human Care Committee & District Disaster Response Coordinator 70th Convention Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod California‐Nevada‐Hawaii District Rev. Philip W. Zabell, KI6SMN, Chair I have been privileged to be the chair of the Human Care Committee of our District since June, 2007. This report covers the work of the Committee since the last District Convention, April 27‐
29, 2012, held in Burlingame. First of all I must express my most sincere thanks to the HCC committee members without whose energy and insight the ministry of God’s mercy we are doing together would not be possible. To Marilyn Harri, Susan Contreras, and the Rev. David Reese, I say thank you. Thanks is also due to those with whom we collaborate in the mission God has laid before us: Lois Peacock and her involvement with Parish Nursing and Carol Roberts, PhD, President of Lutheran Social Services of Northern California. Without the cooperation and collaboration of these mission partners the visibility of God’s mission of mercy would not be nearly so great among us. The following are highlights of what has been accomplished during the triennium just past. Grow Like a Lilly‐church worker wellness retreat: 2/2/13 Held at the Wine & Roses Hotel & Spa in Lodi, the theme verse for this workshop was Hosea 14:5. Participants could choose from breakout sessions on brain health, Be Well...Serve Well, and stress management. Keynote speaker, Mark Schoepp of Wheatridge Ministries, gave a stimulating presentation on recent brain research and how important it is to exercise, eat properly, and get good rest. Prepare! Share the Abundant Life: 2/7/15 The committee began working on a pamphlet titled "Connecting with Your Community Toolkit". As development progressed, the idea came that the best way to convey the essence of the pamphlet would be to organize a workshop incorporating many of the ideas which were evolving. Thus born was the recently held workshop which took place at the District Ministry Center in Livermore. Page 39
Collaborating with representatives from the Sierra Pacific Synod, ELCA, workshop attendees from both SPS and CNH went away better informed on ways to engage in senior ministry and disaster environments. Keynote speaker, Dr. Kurt Senske, CEO of LSS of the South, kicked off the day with a stimulating presentation on expressing our faith with distinct flavors and aromas in this post‐
Christian world. Attendees then had a choice of two workshop tracks, one called "Seniors in Transition" which presented resources to empower participants for making informed choices regarding alternative living situations or in‐home care. The other track focused on Disaster Preparedness providing an overview of the kinds of disasters, the preparation of go‐kits, the Lutheran Amateur Radio Support Net (LARSN), and an introduction to Tri‐LERT, our local structure for responding to disasters. Rev. Dr. Carlos Hernandez, Director of Church and Community Engagement for Synod, rounded out the day with a presentation on Christian Care in Times of Crisis, Trauma, and Aggregate Needs. Participants received insights concerning the emotional and spiritual impacts of traumatic events and the Christian care responses which facilitate healing and equilibrium. Rural and Small Town Ministries Conference 2012 & 2013: I attended the first two national conferences held in Storm Lake, IA, and Kansas City, MO, in late October and early November, respectively. Rev. John Whaley was also able to attend the 2012 conference. The focus of each conference was the special situations facing those congregations located in the rural and small town environment. A variety of resources were presented in the common and breakout sessions as well as the inspiration gained from the Bible study leaders. The key thought disseminating from both was "bloom where you're planted." In other words, amidst an aging and numerically declining population, discern the needs not being met and creatively discern how the assets of the local congregation might be mobilized to minister to those needs as instruments of God's grace, mercy, and love. Disaster Preparedness: I attended the District Disaster Response Coordinator (DDRC) Conferences in 2012, 13, 14, with the first two held in St. Louis and the last one held in Ft. Wayne. While these conferences most often bring together the DDRCs from Districts here in the United States, the 2014 conference was international in flavor. Representatives from sister church bodies around the world told of the disaster responses in their ministry locations. Among those represented were the Philippines, Chile, and Japan, sites of major disasters in recent years. Rev. Ross Johnson, Director of Disaster Response, and Rev. Michael Meyer, Manager of Disaster Response, under the LCMS Office of National Mission, debuted the latest version of "Mercy in Page 40
Action," Synod's manuals for helping congregations prepare for and minister in times of disaster. What was originally a single, loose leaf, manual has now been put into three, soft bound, manuals: A Guide for Pastors in the Midst of Disaster, A Guide for Educators in the Midst of Disaster, and a Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) Training Manual. Samples of these manuals are available for viewing at the Human Care Committee booth in the vendor area of the convention. At the 2014 conference, the Rev. John Freitag, WW4JF, of Tennessee and I (KI6SMN) set up a portable amateur radio station in his RV behind the gymnasium on the Ft. Wayne campus. We made contacts throughout the Midwest as well as a couple of international contacts as a demonstration of how ham radio can be of use during times of disaster when cell phones and normal means of communication are often not working. Disaster Preparedness Introduction for the Deans & Visitors: At a regular meeting of the Circuit Visitors, 9/5/14, at the DMC and of the Conference Deans, 10/14/14, as part of their Professional Leaders Conference held in Squaw Valley, the Tri‐LERT (see below) team led an introductory training to equip these regional leaders for connecting with the congregations under their care. The four hour agenda provided an overview of the difference between first responders and long term care, resources: A Present Hope, Mercy in Action, and the Congregational Disaster Preparedness Guidebook, discussion centered around a number of case studies, a presentation on spiritual care, and a presentation on communications. It is hoped that the Deans and Visitors will use this training to help the congregations under their care know how best to be of help in times of disaster and to connect with their counterparts prior to a disaster event so they can coordinate with each other when a disaster does occur. Tri‐LERT: Through the cooperative efforts of the CNH‐DDRC (Rev. Philip W. Zabell), Charlie Porter (CNH), LSS‐NorCal (Carol Roberts, Nancy Nielsen), and the SPSDRC [Sierra Pacific Synod‐ ELCA] (currently vacant), and Nick Arnett (SPS), a disaster response partnership is in operation known as Tri‐LERT (Tri Lutheran Emergency Response Team). A Web page for Tri‐LERT, which is under development, can be found at http://cnhdisasterprep.jimdo.com/. While the CNH‐DDRC will be available for early disaster response, once the first responders have conducted their initial work, Tri‐LERT will activate for longer term disaster response. Under the leadership of the LSS‐NorCal disaster coordinator, Tri‐LERT will coordinate disaster ministry in our service area (see map located on the Tri‐LERT Web site). Tri‐LERT activation can occur at the request of either the CNH President, SPS Bishop, the DDRCs, or the LSS‐NorCal disaster coordinator. Page 41
Lutheran Amateur Radio Support Network (LARSN): Licensed Lutheran amateur radio operators are encouraged to form local nets which will tie in with a nation‐wide net via a Local Net Controller (LNC). At times of disaster, depending on its nature and intensity, communications can become an issue. Normal communications equipment such as phone, cell phone, and Internet are all quite vulnerable. Even if the infrastructure remains intact, the sheer volume of use often rises to a level which exceeds the design capacity of the normal communications equipment and contact becomes intermittent, unreliable or even impossible. It is the objective of the LARSN to provide communications services even when the normal venues are not possible. There is a Tuesday evening EmComm Net which meets at 7:30PM PDT using EchoLink a VOIP tool available to licensed ham operators. While this service is not reliable for times of disaster, it is a convenient and simple tool to use in preparing communications systems which would be used at times of disaster. Congregations are encouraged to identify ham operators in their communities and let them know about LARSN. Regular members of LARSN in CNH are the Rev. Philip W. Zabell (KI6SMN) and Charlie Porter (N6JOA). The more stations able to be activated the better as atmospheric conditions are such that the more stations available the better the ability to connect. Those interested in getting licensed or becoming active in LARSN should contact Charlie Porter ([email protected]). Lava Flow: Volcanoes are unique in that, depending on the type of volcano, they are slow in causing their damage. Since our District includes Hawaii, a pending disaster is being monitored on the Big Island. About 20 mi SE of Christ, Hilo, a lava flow from the Pu'u O'o vent of the Kilauea Volcano has sent lava flows within 550 yards of the community of Pahoa. The Rev. Mitch Gowen of Our Savior, Aiea and Lana Wold of Hilo (members of our District Disaster Response Team) are keeping an eye on activity to be of help as needed. Here is a picture of the flow as of 2/5/15. The Town of Pahoa, HI Comfort Dogs: Two of our District congregations have or shortly will have comfort dog ministries in place, St. Johns, Napa [(707) 255‐0119] and First, Yuba City [(530) 673‐8894]. Page 42
Contact them if you would like to know more about this tool for ministry or if you have a situation which might make use of the healing that can come through comfort dogs. Comfort Dogs are often called upon by firefighters and police officers to assist people who are going through traumatic events. Utilizing the unique skills of dogs, specifically Golden Retrievers, opportunities are often opened to touch people with the Mercy and Compassion of Christ. The dogs are trained service animals prepared to interact with people in ways that provide a bridge for compassionate ministry to take place. Future Developments: The following areas are under consideration by the HCC for future work and development of resources or workshops: Veterans Issues, Guidelines for Healthy Nutrition, Learning to Live More Simply….maybe even green, Living a Balanced Life, Growing Old with Dignity, When Cultures Clash…“this isn’t the way I remember it growing up,” A Day in the Life of a Transitional Foster Youth, Transportation when Fuel Costs Fluctuate or I Lose My Job. If you have an idea of a topic or issue you would like the HCC to address, please contact the HCC chair ([email protected]). On behalf of the Human Care Committee, may God bless you with the resources with which to be a blessing….after all that’s why He blesses us in the first place. Rev. Philip W. Zabell (KI6SMN), HCC Chair District Disaster Response Coordinator If you would like to become part of the DDRT for your area, please contact Pr Zabell at: [email protected] . Page 43
Report of Intentional Interim Ministry
The Intentional Interim Ministry program of our California‐Nevada‐Hawaii District continues to develop and evolve. Since our 2012 report congregations continue to embrace and use the program. Intentional Interim Ministry has been particularly helpful in congregations that have lost their previous pastor after a long tenure, congregations facing difficult problems, or congregations who simply want to take some time to review their mission and ministry, before they call another full time pastor to “reboot” as it were. In the last triennium some 16 congregations have contracted with trained Intentional Interim pastors for the purpose of an Intentional Interim Ministry (IIM) as they prepare to call a new full time pastor. Since almost all of our trained IIM pastors are retired, we continue to seek pastors who might be willing to be trained in intentional interim ministry and then be placed in a situation for three to five years before retirement to help congregations turn in new directions. Receiving an interim pastor is determined by several factors: the need for this specific ministry in a congregation, the willingness of the congregation to enter this program, and the availability of an interim pastor (a matter of supply and demand). President Newton works with the director of Intentional Interim Ministry, his own staff, and the circuit visitors to determine which congregations can benefit from an interim pastor’s gifts. We continue our West Coast training site at the Ministry Center in Livermore for the national intentional interim training program. This is a more intensive training in three phases: two weeks in the classroom and 5 months of field work We continually receive requests from District Presidents of other synodical districts for a trained interim pastor. We also continue to work in partnership with The Pacific Southwest District's Interim Ministry Program. Pastor Fickenscher was elected again in 2014 to serve a 3 year term on Synod’s Interim Ministry Conference (the IMC) Board of Directors. There is a continuing need for a supply of retired part‐time pastors trained for interim ministry as some of our original Interim Pastors have retired, moved or been taken home. Pray that these needs are met. Respectfully submitted, Robert Fickenscher, Director of Interim Ministry, CNH District Page 44
REPORT FROM THE DISTRICT COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS Submitted by Marilyn Maxner, Chair The DCCM has been busy reviewing constitutions and bylaws from many congregations in the District. Most of those documents still under review three years ago have been approved by the District Board of Directors. Of those received since the 2012 convention, some have also been approved, some have been reviewed and the DCCM is awaiting notice of congregational action, and some are still in the review process. Two new congregations were fast‐tracked so they could be accepted at this convention; a third will hopefully have received approval by now. How does this all work? The process begins with your voters approving your revised documents. If you are only reviewing the bylaws, make sure there is nothing in the constitution that needs to be changed to reflect any changes you make in the bylaws. After your voters have approved the revision, send both the bylaws and the constitution to the DCCM for review. Even if changes are made in only one document, we want to see both. That way if we see something missing in the bylaws, we can check the constitution and make sure that point is covered and vice versa. And if it’s not, we can tell you the best way to do so. One good source for your document review is Synod’s web site. There’s a document there called “Guidelines for Constitutions and Bylaws of Lutheran Congregations.” It suggests the topics that are important to have in your documents, and it suggests wording. Another good resource is a template available from the District office or from the DCCM. The actual review will take several months, as we are a very small volunteer committee. After we finish our review, we will send you our comments which may include suggestions for corrections and/or improvements we see that are needed. After you have had our suggestions approved by the voters, you send the documents back to us, telling us you have made the changes we suggested, and we then send them on to the District Board of Directors with a recommendation for approval. If your voters don’t take all our suggestions, you need to tell us why, so we can determine if we need to have more discussion with you or if we have no problems with your reasons and can send them to the District BOD with recommendation for approval. The BOD meets in March, June, September, and December. As you can see, the entire process can take several months, more often a year or more. We are a very small committee, down from four to two at this point. We would welcome your prayers for a larger committee and for the work we are doing. Page 45
CALIFORNIA-NEVADA-HAWAII DISTRICT
CHURCH EXTENSION FUND
CONVENTION REPORT
Donald Busse, President
To further Christ’s Mission, CEF links the CNH District and its
people to provide capital funding and other financial services.
This past triennium, the District Church Extension Fund (CEF or Fund) continued the process of planning
for the future. The economy continued to have a profound effect on many District churches and schools which
has in turn created challenges for CEF. While loan demand is continuing to trend down, investors are still
entrusting their money to CEF, where interest rates are better than many other institutions such as the banks and
savings and loans. The Fund has continued during this period to provide Congregations and ministries with
capital and counseling to successfully accomplish their ministry needs. There are a few new building
opportunities developing for the future. In the post-church culture, as traditional church membership declines,
there is more emphasis on missional communities and other outreach opportunities rather than church buildings.
Fund Administration
During the triennium, the CEF placed an emphasis on making the operations as efficient as possible. CEF
achieved the following goals during this period:
 successfully met the mandated NASAA financial ratios
 sold the Coarsegold property, the last of the advance sites
 identified risk in the loan portfolio and assigned loan loss reserves accordingly
 restructured various impaired loans to interest only and/or temporary lower rates to allow congregations
and others time to rethink their mission and move to more financial stability
 maintained a realistic reserve for loan losses
 provided MissionInsite as the demographic software of choice in the District
 developed the Children Exploring Finance material and training program for children
 created a short term mission trip grant program for the District
 set aside $500,000 for low interest lending to mission starts or restarts
The Financial Results
Table I offers a summary of the financial results for the years 2012 through 2014. Statements of Financial
Position for each of these years are attached to this report. The Fund operates to a set of financial criteria as set
forth by the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) which provides a gauge to measure
sound financial health. The Fund is in compliance with all such criteria. At December 31, 2014, the net assets to
total assets ratio which measures the organizations use of leverage in its operations and its ability to withstand
unforeseen events was at 10.5%, which is well above the NASAA requirement of 5%. Besides the NASAA
requirement, the LCMS Board for Church Extension has provided an 11% guideline for this ratio. While the
Fund is below this target at December 31, 2014, the Fund is committed to working towards that target over the
next few years. In each of the years the Fund was granted a permit to offer and sell its securities by the
Department of Corporations of the State of California. No legal actions have been initiated against the Fund.
Page 46
Table I
Year
2012
Total Assets
$55,275,083
Loans
$42,327,924
Notes Payable
$49,921,985
Fund Balance
$5,327,350
2013
54,722,616
40,125,630
49,314,838
5,385,032
2014
53,748,148
38,819,989
48,095,730
5,630,537
Loan Portfolio
Loans totaling $4,764,500 were approved during this triennium. Some of these projects will start at a
future date. This is a continuing decline from the previous triennium, paralleling the decline in church
construction in the U.S. The completion of an education building at Faith Lutheran Church is Seaside was the
largest project during the triennium. Several congregations borrowed funds for repairs and working capital during
this period. Table II below lists the loans that were approved in the past three years.
Many churches saw declining enrollment and reduced giving during the recession. Several Congregations
and schools were granted interest-only or reduced rates on their loan payments for a period of time, generally 24 years, until they become financially able to resume their customary mortgage payments. These agreements are
being consummated as the church works to devise plans to cut expenses and/or generate additional revenue. Many
of these congregations are now paying both principal and interest on the loans.
CEF owns a property in Windsor, California that is currently leased to Vineyard of Faith. The lease
agreement expires in August 2015. CEF and the church are in discussions on the extension and future terms of
the lease. The church pays a rental of $3,000 per month.
There continues to be a demand from Congregations for Line of Credit loans. Management has concluded
from its experience that very often this demand is generated by a lack of working capital. Therefore, help has
been extended to Congregations that are experiencing a cash flow crisis. An evaluation of their need is made and
then followed up with remedial help for budget management, accounting, and improved financial statements.
These developments have suggested a need for regular cash flow statements in our congregations.
One of the problems of ministry in this and other District’s is affordable housing for Church workers.
CEF is not a retail lender loaning money for first mortgages on private residences, but it does provide funding for
Congregations to purchase an equity interest in a house for a pastor or teacher. Rostered church workers are
referred to the Lutheran Church Extension Fund in St. Louis for direct loans.
[Type text]
Page 47
Table II
Location
Project
St. Paul Lutheran Church
Repairs
Susanville, CA
Calvary Lutheran Church
Repairs
Oroville, CA
Our Savior Lutheran Church
Repairs
Aiea, HI
Faith Lutheran Church
Education Building
Seaside, CA
Our Savior Lutheran Church
Replace School Modular Buildings*
Aiea, HI
St. Mark Lutheran Church
Preschool and Multipurpose
Kaneohe, HI
Buildings*
St. John Lutheran Church
Working Capital
Fallon, NV
Trinity Lutheran Church
Line of Credit
Paso Robles, CA
Grace Lutheran Church
Updates and Repairs
Visalia, CA
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Parsonage
Healdsburg, CA
Town & Country Lutheran Church
Line of Credit
Sacramento, CA
Lutheran High School
Line of Credit
Elk Grove, CA
Calvary Lutheran Church
Working Capital
San Lorenzo, CA
St Paul Lutheran Church
Line of Credit
Tracy, CA
Grace Lutheran Church
School Buildings*
Visalia, CA
Trinity Lutheran Church
Working Capital
Wahiawa, HI
Zion Lutheran Church
Repairs and Upgrades
Winnemucca, NV
First Lutheran Church
Mission Restart
Greenville, CA
Note: The above do not reflect the exact amount of the final funding.
* - Projects that will start at a future date.
Loan
Amount
$46,000
50,000
6,000
205,000
600,000
1,100,000
30,000
50,000
200,000
380,000
158,000
50,000
140,000
150,000
1,350,000
195,000
40,000
14,500
$4,764,500
Page 48
Notes Payable to Investors
The continued viability of the Church Extension Fund rests on its ability to motivate the members of our
District congregations to invest in this ministry. Our success is in finding those members of our congregations
that desire to benefit congregations and ministries by providing them with lower-cost capital and financial
counseling to support their growth and development. The yearly average of new investments during the triennium
was $2,950,000. Withdrawals exceeded new investments by approximately $1 million per year as the total
investments declined along with loan demand.
There is a continuing commitment to the maintenance and development of our Congregational Rep
network. Regional rep meetings were held in 2012 and 2013 to allow for closer contacts between staff and the
rep network. The results were encouraging. In addition, an inspiring Reps Conference was held in Sacramento
in 2014. The efforts to grow the network will only be successful to the degree that our District congregations aid
us by appointing a rep and giving us opportunities to promote CEF.
As of December 31, 2014, 98 congregations of the District’s 183 have a Congregational Representative.
To provide the children of our schools and churches with stewardship education, CEF has developed a
program called “Children Exploring Finance”. Its objective is to help parents (or grandparents), who make an
investment for a child, to train them in stewardship in a fun and interactive way while they partner with CEF to
support the ministries it serves. They receive a series of financial education workbooks to read as they grow up.
The CNH District has an arrangement with the LCMS Foundation to make available to the members of
our District a counselor in planned/estate giving. The District, congregations, and the Fund have and will continue
to benefit from the assets which are left to them by members in their estates. CEF provides funding for some of
the expenses of this ministry.
The Future
There are challenges ahead for the Church Extension Fund.

Local Planning and Zoning are making church developments more difficult and costly.

Building codes, water scarcity, energy conservation, and green requirements impose new requirements on
building projects.

The aging demographic of our population is affecting the growth and development of our congregations
and the shape of their ministries.

There are a number of congregations that appear to be financially unsustainable.

Aging facilities are in need of renovation to adapt to the changes in worship and ministry offerings.

The changing nature of the church in society presents challenges and the need for the Fund to be flexible.

Developing new channels for loan dollars

Partnering with other CEF’s in loans to RSO’s, colleges etc.

Partnering with the District Mission Agency to provide the necessary loan funds for new starts and restarts.
[Type text]
Page 49
Conclusion
While the changing nature of the place of the church in society is creating many challenges for the Fund,
it also provides opportunity. The Fund has been working very hard over the past three years to meet those
challenges and to take advantage of the resulting opportunities. The bylaws have been changed to allow for
lending outside the District in partnership with the other CEF’s or LCEF. Operations have been streamlined
where possible and the business model adjusted as necessary. Problem loans have been identified and
addressed and, as a result, delinquencies are low and the outlook is good. All of this will help to insure that the
Fund is positioned to continue to carry out its ministry into the future. Fund management is keenly aware of
the complicated changes the post church society is creating and is continuously searching for new and better
ways to be a resource and a solution to churches and schools as they adapt to these changes. In conjunction
with the District, the Fund is confident that the future will be exciting, change is inevitable, and flexibility is a
must. The Fund is equally confident that it is in position operationally to manage through all these things and
that the Lord will continue to bless this ministry.
Page 50
Attachment
CALIFORNIA-NEVADA-HAWAII DISTRICT CHURCH EXTENSION FUND
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
DECEMBER 31, 2014, 2013 AND 2012
2014
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Investments
Accounts and grants receivable
Interest receivable
Prepaid expenses
Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan loss
Beneficial interest in charitable remainder trusts
Land and buildings, net of accumulated depreciation
Computers and equipment,
net of accumulated depreciation
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable
Notes payable
Total liabilities
NET ASSETS
Unrestricted
Undesignated
Board designated
Total unrestricted
Temporarily restricted
Total net assets
Total liabilities and net assets
$
$
$
$
[Type text]
Page 51
12,853,511
194,405
32,304
38,819,989
230,551
1,600,258
17,130
53,748,148
21,881
48,095,730
48,117,611
4,563,714
836,272
5,399,986
230,551
5,630,537
53,748,148
2013
$
$
$
$
10,605,725
1,951,577
100
186,330
35,468
40,125,630
159,504
1,632,329
25,953
54,722,616
22,746
49,314,838
49,337,584
4,389,256
836,272
5,225,528
159,504
5,385,032
54,722,616
2012
$
$
$
$
3,052,156
7,801,950
17,479
197,922
33,317
42,327,924
151,492
1,664,400
28,443
55,275,083
25,748
49,921,985
49,947,733
4,339,586
836,272
5,175,858
151,492
5,327,350
55,275,083
CNH DISTRICT – CIRCUIT REPORTS
CIRCUIT #1 - Rev. Terrence Chan -- Circuit Visitor
Christ for All Nations Lutheran Church
"A New Church Connecting New People for Christ"
11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to
give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will
hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
~ Jeremiah 29:11-13
With every challenge there comes an opportunity and with every opportunity comes a blessings
from God. We see these as we look at Our three fold mission and ministry of:
I. CARING - for our elderly, ill or homebound members; pastoral care; visitation; spiritual
counseling; funeral services; English language (Focus group: CHURCHED => KINGDOM)
II. DISCIPLING - our core active members; Bible study/worship, mentoring, stewardship,
training, nurture, serving, evangelism and witnessing; native language (Focus group:
CHURCHED => POST CHURCH, DECHURCHED, UNCHURCHED)
III. REACHING - new people in the community; E.R. Taylor Elementary School; Chinese
ministry; food pantry ministry; after school ministry; Community groups; multiple languages
(Focus group: PRE-CHURCHED AND POST CHURCH =>KINGDOM)
I. CARING MINISTRY
28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are
called according to his purpose. ... 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors
through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor
things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all
creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
~ Romans 8:28, 37-39
6
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may
exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. ~ 1 Peter 5:6-7
Challenge: The congregation continues to consolidate in membership as members age, relocate
closer to family or to living facilities out of the area, or are unable to attend Sunday worship
because of health related reasons. There are now far fewer members able to volunteer, assist and
serve in the congregation in areas like the worship service, maintaining the facilities, the food
pantry ministry and the After School Program. The need continues to grow for pastoral care and
ministries of mercy and compassion.
Page 52
Opportunity: With the growing care needs of the members there has been opportunity to serve
and minister to their extended family and friends. The opportunity to share the comfort of the
Gospel has extended beyond the walls of the church building. It has been bringing the presence
of Jesus into their midst. For example, during one home visit a relative who does not attend any
church received Holy Communion for the first time in over 25 years! There is great opportunity
to equip our members to make effective home visitations to our members.
Blessing: With the growing care needs of the congregation many members have been moved by
God to extend a hand of comfort, mercy and compassion. This has occurred not through an
organized 'program' of the church but rather by the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of people.
There has been growing spirit of care and concern for one another and the love of Christ has
been shared and experienced by both those who are served and those who serve.
II. DISCIPLING MINISTRY
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip
the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,13 until we all attain to the
unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of
the stature of the fullness of Christ, ~ Ephesians 4:11-13
11
Challenge: Discipleship is a life long process, a life long walk with Jesus. A disciple is one who
follows Jesus. Too often we view ourselves as being members of a church rather than as a
disciple who follows Jesus. Too often we view being a Christian simply means coming to
church and worshiping on Sunday mornings. Too often we view that we have learned all need to
learn and are content with our level of spiritual maturity. Too often we view that it should be the
pastor who prays, witnesses, teaches, etc, instead of being the people of God, a follower of Jesus,
who joins Jesus daily on his mission.
Opportunity: Joining Jesus on His Mission (by Greg Finke) is an opportunity extended to all at
Christ for All Nations. We can learn and experience what it means to follow Jesus on his
mission by being a part of a missional learning community. In a missional learning community
we employ and share our weekly experiences with the Five Practices:
1. Seeking the Kingdom
2. Hearing from Jesus
3. Talking with people
4. Doing good
5. Ministering through prayer
We apply the practices by asking the Five Questions:
1. How have you seen God at work in your life this week?
2. What has God been teaching you in his Word lately?
3. What kind of conversations are you having with the people around you?
4. What good can we do around here?
5. How can I pray for you?
Page 53
Blessing: Those who have participated have experienced tremendous growth in faith, in
understanding their role as a disciple who follows Jesus in their everyday life, and experiencing
how Jesus is at work in and through them outside the church building. Many unchurched people
have experienced the power and presence of God in their lives.
III. REACHING MINISTRY
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to
me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” ~ Matthew 28:18-20
18
8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my
witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”~ Acts 1:8
Challenge: The Portola district continues to change demographically. The Asian population is
fast approaching 60% while the Hispanic population is hold steady at around 18%. The African
American population continues to decline in the neighborhood as it has throughout San
Francisco. The White population has shown a slight, but growing increase. Our challenge has
been trying to rebuild the church by reaching new people in the community. Some times we
think a new program or doing something different may help us achieve the goal.
Opportunity: Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel we can focus on those things that we
already have in place and to maximize our efforts and resources in our existing outreach
ministries. Primarily, our best outreach opportunities are through sharing the Gospel with those
people we know and with whom we already have a relationship.
The others are through our existing food pantry ministry where weekly we interact with hundreds
of individuals. While many do not speak English, our actions speak louder than words. We have
also gathered children/grand children who come to the food pantry and taught Bible stories and
Christian songs to them. And lastly, we reach people through our After School Program where
daily the students get to hear about Jesus and experience God's love and care through the
teachers, staff and volunteers.
Blessing: Every year we have children who come to faith in Jesus and desire to be baptized but
are not granted permission by their parents. While this is painful for us to see these children
miss out on the blessing of Holy Baptism, we rejoice in know these children are loved by God,
have faith in God, and believe in Jesus as their Savior. That is kingdom building. We recognize
that God is at work among us for the building of his kingdom not just for the building of our
church.
† To God Be the Glory †
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A Glimpse of Hope Lutheran Church and School in Daly City
1. Our vision is to continue: Children, Youth, and Family Ministry
2. Convictions about this vision in Christ
a. I believe that Hope Lutheran can continue to shine and create positive changes
with the power of the Gospel here in Daly City.
b. I believe that some of the greatest Christian leaders that our society has yet to
know are currently in elementary, middle, and high school… thus making
children and youth ministry one of the greatest opportunities that Hope Lutheran
can invest in.
c. I believe that God continues to raise up faithful workers here at Hope who are
going to take radical steps of faith, rather than sitting on the bleachers as
spectators.
d. I believe by God’s power that we are going to put personal preferences of
ministry aside and work together to accomplish the vision and mission He has
placed on our hearts through the Children, Youth, and Family Ministry.
e. I believe that we are going to see some of the greatest moves of God Hope has
ever witnessed in the next years because we step forward in faith to embrace the
Children, Youth, and Family Ministry.
3. Challenges
a. Satan is also at work in our midst.
b. Issues with youth problems and needs.
c. The harvest is plentiful but good and faithful workers are few.
4. Thanksgiving
a. This is an exciting time for Hope Lutheran Church and School.
b. What God has begun in our midst will be brought to completion.
c. Hope is united behind this vision of ministry.
d. As a congregation in Christ, we are moving forward with eyes of faith in Jesus
Christ, our Lord.
5. Request
a. Please pray for us whenever you remember Hope Lutheran Church and School of
Daly City.
b. Please come by to visit us when you are in our neighborhood.
c. Please support us in ways that you know how…
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New Life & Shepherd of the Hills
What has God done in our “multicongregation parish” of Shepherd of the Hills’
& New Life’s past year, and what do we believe
He wants to do among us in the New Year of the
Lamb (of God)?! It’s summed up in our New
Life Mission Statement’s Fantastic Five, the
first letter of each mission call spelling out the
acrostic for the Biblical Greek word:
ENERGEIA (ejnevrgeia, “the powerful
working of God,” cf. Colossians 2:12 ESV):
“The MISSION of New Life
Chinese Lutheran Church is
to make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the
Son and of the Holy Spirit
(Matthew 28:19).
Our
primary mission is to:
1) Evangelize: Proclaim the Good News of
Jesus Christ to the unchurched community!
To enable us to have a bridge to welcome “notyet-Christian” community friends, New Life &
Shepherd of the Hills provide a weekly Food
Pantry to all our neighbors in need. On the
average we help 80+ families, most of whom are Chinese. We have a Food Pantry Sing Along
twice a month, with songs, message, & PowerPoint. In 2014 God helped us begin the Saturday
Morning Language Class, teaching Mandarin & Cantonese & ESL, & having a devotion time for
all. Praisercise happens twice a week, having incredible exercise routines done in rhythm to
Mandarin Christian songs. During the summer New Life participated with our “all age team” in
the CCU Basketball, whose purpose is to facilitate Christian bridges. Our Vacation Bible School
helped attract people from the community.
Throughout 2014 we had special “bridge events” meant to welcome visitors for a chance
to hear the Gospel & enjoy participating in related events, including: Chinese New Year Sunday
(86), Easter Sunday (136), Mother’s Day (114), Father’s Day , New Beginnings Sunday,
Thanksgiving Sunday (100), Christmas Program (110), Christmas Eve, Christmas Day (123), New
Year’s Eve (at Pastor’s house, 39; 14 “not-yet-Christians”).
Chinese/English Christian calendars were designed to introduce people to all of NL &
SotH’s activities. Our church carillon, silent for a time, is now online with a new system,
welcoming & pleasing our community at 12noon and 6pm by announcing the time & playing one
verse from three hymns.
New Lifers will continue these above outreaches in 2015. Additionally, we’ll celebrate
Valentine’s Day with a movie night on Valentine’s Weekend Friday, February 13th showing the
recently released movie: “The Song.” It’ll be a real blessing both to the new friends & relatives
we invite, as well as a way to nurture our brothers & sisters who already walk with Jesus.
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2) Nurture: Through Christ-centered worship!
In 2014 New Life’s English Worship was attended on the average by 27 people, Cantonese
Worship by an average of 55 people, with total yearly average of 80 people. Shepherd of the Hills
(SotH) had an average attendance of 16 people. Pastoral Deacon Otis Byrd, leads SotH’s worship
& preaches twice a month, allowing Pastor Chip to teach the large group Bible Study for New Life
two or three times a month. To maximize the Christ-centered worship experience, New Life uses
PowerPoint for all the songs/hymns. Bi-lingual PowerPoints are prepared for the SotH & NL
sermons, to help listeners more clearly receive, understand, & meaningfully engage God’s Word.
In 2015, our prayer to God for worship is that He’ll increase averages for New Life’s
Cantonese Worship to 60, New Life’s English Worship to 30; and Shepherd of the Hills Worship
to 20!
3) Engage: Through Bible study groups!
. SotH’s Bible Study begins at 9am, preceding Sunday worship. Thank God, New Life’s
Sunday Education Hour attendance in the Bible Studies/Fellowships/Sunday Schools continues
over 50% of the Sunday Worship attendance. The English Adult/Young Adult/Jr. High & Sr. High
all use Bible Studies especially prepared to help participants by the Holy Spirit’s ministry go deep
into the Word of God and find personal applications. Wednesday’s Prayer & Outreach Group both
meets to study Scripture/pray for New Life, and goes out to make hospital/evangelism visits. The
Youth & Young Adult Fellowship ministers especially to the young through God’s Word & great
Christian music. Four different “daily Bible reading plans” were prepared so we all can become
“people of the Book.”
In 2015 we’ll continue to engage in Scripture & challenge our “Young Professionals.”
This group, begun in late 2014, especially meets the needs of our young adults & “pre-Christian”
friends who’ve now graduated and/or have begun working careers. We will also seek to start a
group especially geared for young children.
4) Revolutionize: Disciple and nurture them in the body of Christ!
The English Confirmation Classes & the Chinese Discovery Class and have
continued to bring the Word of God deeper into people’s lives. On Christmas Day God
gave us one child Baptism, 2 Adult Baptisms, and 5 Confirmations. During our New Life
Summer Retreat we all went in depth to discover God’s vision for our lives by discovering
our God given individual spiritual gifts & how we can serve Him in our congregational
setting!
In 2014 we recently began, & in 2015 will continue, preaching two discipleship
sermon series. “Lutheranism 101” enables us to comprehend & use the foundational
elements of our Christian Lutheran understanding of God’s Word. “Following Jesus”
explains Christ’s dynamic call to discipleship right from the Gospel of Matthew.
5) Grow & Explode Into Action: And equip them for Christian service and spiritual
leadership!
Opportunities for Christ-centered service & leadership come through opportunities to serve
as Sunday Worship Liturgist, Cantonese Interpreter, Mandarin Interpreter, Organist/Pianist, Praise
Band, Lectors, Hosanna Fellowship Choir, Chinese Praise Group, Children’s Message Presenter,
Sunday Child Care, Greeters, Ushers, Acolytes, Communion Assistants, Altar Guild, Flowers
Arranger, Refreshments Preparers & Cleaner-Uppers, Worship PowerPoint Preparer,
Photographer, Worship PowerPoint Advancer, Church Cleaners (who deserve special thanks,
weekly keeping God’s House clean & beautiful, ) & Property (doing projects like installing the
carillon), and Walkers in the annual West Coast Walk for Life. Christian service and spiritual
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leadership are further fostered, as members served in the NL Mission & Ministry Council & in the
SotH Council, as Team Leaders or Helpers at the weekly Food Pantry & Food Pantry Sing Along,
in the Saturday Morning Language Class, in bringing & leading in worship the patients of Laguna
Honda Hospital [a giant chronic care facility for the city’s destitute & ill] & Rehabilitation Center,
in Vacation Bible School, and in the Young Musician Class (equipping our high school age New
Lifers to lead all God’s people in worship).
In order to better equip each member to naturally invite people to our bridge events (i.e.
Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Program/Christmas Eve/Christmas
Day), beautiful invitation cards were designed & produced for distribution.
In 2014 we provided prayers, encouragement, and a financial gift to Corey Chang (training
through Concordia, Irvine, to be a Director of Christian Education) and Melissa Laureta (working
with Intervarsity Campus Ministry at San Francisco State University.
Beyond the doors of Shepherd of the Hills & New Life, God enabled us to beautifully
“explode into action” for missions, as by His grace we provided needed donations to purchase the
4th & 5th of 5 motorcycles for evangelists under the training of LCMS missionary in China, the
Rev. Stephen Wiesenauer. We further donated to LCMS World Missions for persecuted Christians,
for endemic & infectious diseases (Ebola), for disaster relief; and to both the CNH & English
Districts of the LCMS, Lutheran Social Services, the LCMS Seminary Fund, Lutheran World
Relief, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service.
In 2015 we will seek to continue most of the above. We’ll also facilitate training to support
our Gospel workers in their specific church groups, so that we can even more effectively serve
God & share Christ. We’ll also continue encouraging people to prayerfully consider full time
Gospel work for the Lord Jesus.
Zion Lutheran Church
in San Francisco worships on Sunday mornings and maintains a Christian Grade School K-8.
Deacon Tom Hurley and Principal Donna Laughlin lead a team of volunteers and Day School
Teachers in ministry to the Richmond District of San Francisco. This year is our WASC
Accreditation for our Day School. Many teams and committees are working hard to see this
process through and to implement needed changes discovered in the process that will help our
ministry to be more focused and productive. We continue to have many faithful members in
Bible study on Sunday morning and mid-week along with a very active group we call 50+. Our
school parents and Parent Teacher League are super supportive of our ministry to their children.
The lobby area of our school is getting a total makeover thanks to our PTL. As we continue to
seek God's will for who will be our next pastor, we are grateful to God for his enabling and
empowering Spirit working in the leaders and members of Zion.
CIRCUIT #2 – Rev. David Sauer – Circuit Visitor
Every congregation in our Circuit along the East Bay of San Francisco finds itself in a rapidlyincreasing multi-ethnic community. Thus, our traditional, Anglo, and Germanic congregations
are being severely challenged. Zion, Piedmont, for example, was forced to close its school this
past year after 130 years of educational ministry. Gary McIntosh and Alan McMahan, authors of
Being the Church in a Multi-Ethnic Community: Why It Matters and How It Works, state that
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churches in multi-ethnic communities have six options as follows: (1) close the church, (2)
continue the present ministry to the dominant ethnic group, (3) serve the people in the immediate
community with social programs, (4) develop a new ethnic church and give them the facility, (5)
relocate the church to a new site, and (6) develop a multi-ethnic church.
Our congregations are reacting to this changing reality in a variety of ways. Probably the most
creative approach in our Circuit to multi-ethnic ministry is centered in Good Shepherd, Hayward.
Under the leadership of Pastor Aaron Putnam this congregation is working very deliberately to
establish ministries not only to themselves but also to the Eritrean, Hispanic, and Oromo
communities. To assist them in this ministry to these groups and other groups to be named later,
they have formed a partnership with Prince of Peace, Fremont. Prince of Peace is sharing one of
its pastors part-time with Good Shepherd to enable Pastor Putnam to spend more time reaching
out to other ethnic groups. This venture is also being supported by a ministry grant from our
CNH District.
How will all of this turn out? Only the Lord knows. But we do know (in Jesus’ Parable of the
Talents in Matthew 25) that the man who in fear buried his talent in the ground was later thrown
outside into the darkness. Our challenge is to use the talents the Lord has given us to reach out to
the people living in the community around us in a variety of ways to help create more followers
of Jesus. “Well done, good and faithful servant!...Come and share your master’s happiness.”
Respectfully submitted,
Pastor Dave Sauer
CIRCUIT #3 – Rev. Dan Deuel – Circuit Visitor
St. Andrews Lutheran Church, Stockton, CA
• Continue carrying out prescriptions and goals from Revitalization Process
• Focus on bring more people into the study of the word (bible studies and small groups)
• Emphasis on prayer in 2015
• Desire to help people follow Jesus at a deeper level and equipping our people to help others do
the same
• Continue building up ministries to disabilities and teen parents
• Launching a missional community toward young adults in our community (this is being built
off our ministry to teen parents, many of whom are hungering for a deeper connection to God).
St. Paul's, Tracy CA
UP - REJOICE in Worship
Added Sunday Evening Worship Service over 2 years ago...continue to offer this as a way of
connecting with those
not able to attend Sunday Mornings. (Sports families, medical and emergency personnel, etc)
IN - RELATE to One Another in Community
Intentional, consistent strategic plan to connect with others in a Small Group Setting.
OUT - RESPOND - In lives of witness and service.
Seeking to infuse each small group with outward focus through service.
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St. Peter’s Lutheran, Lodi, CA
We are continuing a process we call Re-Focus - - which is an intentional strategic planning
process designed to help us accomplish our top ten values as a congregation, working through
our four journey process, the journey of faith, the journey of growth, the journey of service, and
the journey of love. Our vision slogan is – helping outsider pre-Christians become insider
Christ-followers whatever it takes.
Trinity Lutheran, Stockton, CA
• Continue in/focus on building relationship even higher with our outreach ministry of The
Dream Team/I Action
• Work with Mike Lange/John Whaley/CNH district on the opportunity for Hispanic
outreach here in Stockton
• Continue in our outreach with the under the bridge weekly food give-a-way and worship
CIRCUIT #4 -- Rev. Hank Scherer – Circuit Visitor
The congregations of Circuit #4, as with many of our churches, are blessed and challenged by the
ministries that God has given to them. Our pastors are true to the word and sacrament ministry
of the church plus the call to make disciples within and seek the lost without. I have had the
privilege to be able to meet with the members and leadership of each of these congregations and
to lead them in worship. It has given me the opportunity to explain the mission emphasis of both
District and Synod. And in cases that required it, give my counsel and direction.
A few highlights of the congregations in Circuit #4:
Messiah, Citrus Heights: Pastor Flynn continues to serve them. They are demographically an
older congregation and have a true outreach to older citizens in their community. A big event for
both Pastor and congregation was the pastor’s wedding. (A little teasing about stealing members
from Zion.)
Our Faith, Davis: The congregation officially Called Pastor Pauling who had been serving as
vacancy Pastor. Pastor Pauling’s status was then changed from Emeriti to Active. I have had the
opportunity to have worshiped with them on a couple occasions. The congregation still struggles
with ministering to their community with their small congregational base. When I have been
there I have noted a small group of UC Davis students. The congregation desires to broaden this
ministry.
Light of the Valley, Elk Grove: I had the opportunity to lead the congregation during the Pastor’s
three month sabbatical. I also help them with the introduction of a stewardship/pledging system.
The congregation has a number of outreach programs and does an excellent job caring for each
other. One continuing problem is its financial relationship with Lutheran High of Sacramento.
Pastor Reed continues to search for ways to lead his people into the community. The
congregation was also a presenter at the Livermore Mission Conference.
Faith, Fair Oaks: Pastor Ray continues to lead the congregation in its ministry within and
without. The congregations DCE resigned his Call for the purpose of returning to the Seminary
and be ordained a pastor. A modified Intentional Interim process was done allowing to
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congregation to review their ministry needs and their use of resources. The congregation was
instrumental in bring to the Circuit’s awareness of the Joining Jesus missional outreach.
Zion, North Highlands: Pastor Ellis continues to serve the congregation. They have been
challenged by financial problems surrounding their new construction debt and have met the
challenge. Their DCE, after completing studies for colloquy into the Pastoral Ministry, retired
from the ministry at Zion. This time was used to evaluate the congregation’s needs and adjust
programming. What always hits me when I lead worship there is how the congregation is such a
snap shot picture of the neighborhood they serve.
Greenhaven, Sacramento: Pastor Becker was called and installed and now serves the
congregation. The congregation has a preschool. They are reaching into their community in
varied ways. I have been able to meet with the leadership and conduct services. The
congregation has healed well with Pastor Becker’s leadership.
Peace, Sacramento: Pastor Alvey received and accepted a Call to Trinity – Hawaii. Pastor Plath
was asked to provide interim services and Pastor Lange and I advised them during the Call
process. Peace requested the assignment of Matthew Peters to serve as Pastor. Pastor Peters, a
native of Sacramento, after finishing his M.Div. program accepted the Call. He was Ordained
and Installed last summer. Peace has a strong internal ministry while reaching to the community
with their preschool and in other ways. The congregation still struggles with building debt.
Town and Country, Sacramento: Pastor Hess continues as their Pastor. Their Office manager and
principal recently retired. They completed their new multipurpose facility. Unfortunately, like
most of our congregations who need to expand to meet their ministries, facility debt is
problematic. The elementary school, now the last LCMS school in our Circuit, also struggles
each year with enrollment. This is true even with the school known for its excellence in
education. The congregation recently had a Vicar leading them in ministry to different ethnic
groups.
Trinity, Sacramento: Pastor Bredeson continues to lead the congregation. The congregation is to
be commended for their support of the Pastor’s reserve ministry with the Air Force. Pastor
Bredeson recently received special commendation from the Air Force for his service and was
promoted to the rank of Major. The congregation continues to find ways to reach the new urban
culture of its neighborhood. I have been able to meet with their leadership and preach there on a
number of occasions. This year Trinity celebrates tier 100th anniversary.
St. Paul, Woodland: During this triennium St. Paul celebrated its 100th anniversary, the
retirement of Pastor Scherer after 20 yrs., and Called a new pastor. The congregation requested a
deferred vicarage candidate and was assigned David Hardin. After completion of his vicarage
year under the direction of Pastor Plath the congregation requested his assignment by the St.
Louis Seminary. He was ordained and Installed as Pastor this past summer. The congregation has
a preschool which was again noted as the best in Yolo County. The pastor and congregation are
making the transition quite well and are exploring new ways of outreach and use of the preschool
in its ministry. St. Paul is also served by a Deacon.
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First, Yuba City: Pastor Fanckowiak continues to serve the congregation. The congregation
continues to look for ways to minister in its community. There was some thought given to
relocation yet at the same time they see a definite ministry in their neighborhood. Their pastor
supervises a deacon who provides for the ministry in Brownsville.
The Circuit congregations are spiritually strong and being served by doctrinally sound missional
oriented pastors. It has been my honor to have served them in behalf of Synod and District these
last nine years.
CIRCUIT #5
The Lord of the Church is moving in our midst and blessing us with needed spiritual
leadership for the edification of His people and the evangelization of those, who aren't. When
Pastor Larsen retired from Grace in August, 2014, there were only 3 called pastors serving the 9
congregations of CNH Circuit #5: Airey (Lutheran Church of Prayer), Hilken (St. John's), and
Schlensker (Shepherd of the Hills). Since that time the Lord has more than doubled that number
of servants, bringing Pas. Duane Bamsch to Zion, Terra Bella, Pas. Eric Van Scharrel & Pas.
Trinidad Castaneda to St. John's, Bakersfield & Valley of Faith, Arvin, and Pas. Lloyd
Willweber to Grace, Bakersfield. We praise Him for His providence! We pray for continued
growth in this servant number, though, since Bethany (Bakersfield), Our Savior (Delano), Peace
(Taft), and Trinity (Wasco) are still without called pastors.
Bethany Lutheran Church, Bakersfield, CA
Bethany is being served on a decreasing basis by Pastor James Tyler.
Grace Lutheran Church, Bakersfield, CA
After 65 years, Grace is still ministering with Word and Sacrament ministry in the older
downtown section of Bakersfield. After 24 years of ministry at Grace, Pastor James Larsen
retired, summer, 2014. Grace is since September engaged in Intentional Interim Ministry led by
Pastor Lloyd Willweber.
Numerical growth has not recently occurred, except in the Kingdom of Glory with
several long-time members being transferred there. Members, mostly Senior Citizens, are very
faithful in attendance and support. In their Interim Ministry Process, Grace is considering more
frequent celebration of the Lord's Supper.
Grace's annual Fall Faire continues to draw a large population. Funds raised by the
Ladies Guild are utilized to support various ministries. Being centrally located in Circuit #5,
Grace joyfully serves as host congregation for most Circuit gatherings.
Lutheran Church of Prayer, Bakersfield, CA
L.C.o.P. has grown in number and spiritually. Experiencing a 12% growth rate, the
congregation has almost doubled in size in the past triennium from 75 to 140 worshipping. In
that time, more adults than children have been baptized, and the average age of parishioners has
come down considerably. A praise band leads musical worship once a month, while both a choir
and bell choir still enhance worship services. L.C.o.P. ministers daily to many little people
through their pre-school.
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The Lord has moved the congregation to focus outward and, through small group
ministry has brought much community service and witnessing. Congregational outreach
functions include an Oktoberfest, Trunk and Treat and a Golf Tournament. Small groups sponsor
other outreach functions.
L.C.o.P. has encountered an amazing gift of peace and growth, reading through the entire
bible using “Thru the Bible” daily devotions and supporting studies and sermons. “Challenge
2015” has been launched, calling on the congregation to put the wisdom God has imparted,
through His Word, to work in their personal lives, serving the community in new ways!
Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Delano, CA
An ethnically diverse small group worships at Our Savior, as they, being between called
pastors, look to God for guidance in the procurement of pastoral leadership.
Peace Lutheran Church, Taft, CA
Peace continues to engage in Lutheran ministry with worship leadership assistance from
elder(s) from St. John's, Bakersfield. Peace's intention to call a seminary graduate has changed to
a desire to engage a retired pastor to serve them and are waiting to see what doors the Lord will
open.
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Lake Isabella, CA
Having been served by a shared pastor for several years and received vacancy services
from retired pastors for several more years, the people of Shepherd of the Hills were delighted to
receive their own pastor at the beginning of 2013. Semi-retired Pastor Daniel Schlensker
accepted their call to be "half-time" pastor at S.o.t.H. in what might serve as a model
arrangement for other small congregations.
The people of S.o.t.H. are a welcoming group, and several actually bring friends and
acquaintances to church with them.
S.o.t.H. supports their local Pregnancy Resource Center especially through their Dorcas
Society. The congregation also offers/provides meeting space on campus for a community
suicide recovery group and for the Kern Valley Historical Society board. Parishioners brought
many people onto their campus through their annual yard sales and raised funds for various
ministries. The S.o.t.H. float was awarded "Best Float" recognition at the 2014 Christmas
Parade.
St. John's Lutheran Church, Bakersfield
St. John’s continues to be active in local and global missions. One such mission is
Makumira/Kilala Lutheran School in Usa River, Tanzania. St. John's church and school have
built a four-room school building. Further construction is planned. Tuition sponsorships have
been provided for 145 students in 2014.
Between the school and children’s center, St. John’s Lutheran School serves a diverse
student body of around 600 children on any given day in an environment of academic excellence.
Spencer Peregoy came in March of 2012 to be School Superintendent and Director of
Operations. In September of 2013, Cary Hoff was installed as DCE, serving as Student Ministry
Team Lead.
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In 2014 Arvin Congregational Church, after 100 years of congregational life, gave
themselves and their facility to St. John’s and became St. John's Valley of Faith on July 1. On
December 21 Pastor Trinidad Castaneda was installed at St. John’s to serve the people of Valley
of Faith and the Arvin community. In August Pastor Eric Van Scharrel was installed as Associate
Pastor and will focus especially on discipleship.
St. John’s has adopted a three-fold vision for the immediate future: LOVE: We are called
to love God and others; LEARN: We are called to be and make disciples; and LEAD: We are
called to lead others to discover and live out their callings as God’s people. This focus will be
evidenced through making Biblical discipleship a top priority, by expanding the faith impact of
their schools, and by being attentive to the needs and opportunities of their satellite congregation.
Trinity Lutheran Church, Wasco, CA
Being "between pastors" Trinity is being served by retired Pastor Ron Bennett. Hopeful
for growth, Trinity's parishioners are dedicated to persevere in spite of smallness. They hosted a
Thanksgiving dinner to which members were invited, who had not been seen in a while.
Zion Lutheran Church, Terra Bella, CA
Zion ministers to congregational and community youth through their Lutheran day
school.
Upon the departure of former Circuit Visitor and Pastor Daniel Conrad to serve as
educational coordinator for our LC-MS Foreign Mission department in Mexico City, Zion
moved quickly to call another pastor, who accepted their invitation. Pastor Duane Bamsch was
installed as Zion's pastor on 11 January 2015.
CIRCUIT #6 – Rev. Ted Zimmerman - Circuit Visitor
A number of changes have taken place in the North Bay Circuit since the last Convention,
mostly within the last year or so. A very significant change may yet lie in its future.
There have been two retirements:


Thomas Windsor, Faith, Sonoma, Pastor, retired effective Jan. 5, 2014. Thomas has
moved to Oahu, HI. He served Faith six years and had things running ship shape.
Vernon Oestmann, Bethany, Vacaville, Sr. Pastor, retired effective Dec. 28, 2014.
Vernon and his wife Debbie, are moving to Colorado. He was recognized by the District
at his retirement for 40 years of ministry. Vernon served Bethany six years and did a fine
job stabilizing the congregation after some internal strife and economic challenges.
There have been several installations:


Matthew Switzer, Trinity, San Rafael, was installed as Pastor on Feb. 12, 2012. This may
have been noted in the Manual for the 2012 Convention.
Gregory Stringer, Bethany, Vacaville, was installed as Associate Pastor on Nov. 17,
2013. Gregory most recently served as a military chaplain with the Air Force. He remains
in the active reserves while serving at Bethany.
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
William Northend, Faith, Sonoma, was installed as Pastor on September 7, 2014.
William, a second career pastor, comes to us from Michigan, but spent many years as an
active layman in the Bay Area.
In addition there has been a change in Circuit Visitor. After some months of a vacancy in that
role, on September 8, 2014, President Newton appointed Ted Zimmerman of Napa, to serve. He
was subsequently elected by the Circuit in December.
For many months there have been discussions in the Circuit and at District level about
transferring congregations of Circuit 6 into other Circuits. Previously St. John’s, Petaluma was
transferred to Circuit 14. The congregations of Marin County are in discussions of how they can
better work together in their challenging ministry area. They may be better served to align with
Circuit 1 (San Francisco). The congregations in Sonoma and Napa are interested in joining
Circuit 14 (Redwood Empire). The congregations in Solano Country, Vacaville and Fairfield,
may look either to Circuit 4 or 7. As it is currently, the Circuit barely qualifies as an electoral
circuit, and given any further changes would no longer do so. Moreover, distance and the
economic and cultural climate differences of the areas the churches in Marin and in Solano
County serve are problematic for fellowship and mutual support. Resolutions from the
congregations in Circuit 6 have been submitted for action by this Convention.
Cordially submitted by:
Ted Zimmerman, Circuit Visitor
CIRCUIT #7 -- Rev. David Moore -- Circuit Visitor
Overview:
Circuit 7 is made up of eleven congregations. The geography as the above name suggests finds
its center on Mt. Diablo with Our Savior being the southernmost congregation in Livermore,
Benicia Lutheran being the northernmost, Resurrection-Brentwood being the easternmost and
Christ-Martinez being the westernmost congregation. Currently one congregation is under the
guidance of an intentional interim with two under part-time arrangements. Circuit 7 is blessed
with faithful pastors and dedicated laity. However the post and pre-churched contexts that all of
our congregations find themselves in, poses a significant challenge to mission and ministry of the
congregations in the circuit.
Congregations of the Circuit 7
St. Andrew Lutheran
Benicia Lutheran
Resurrection Ministries
First Lutheran
Holy Cross Lutheran
St. Philip Lutheran
Out Savior Lutheran Church
Antioch, CA
Benicia, CA
Brentwood, CA
Concord, CA
Concord, CA
Dublin, CA
Livermore, CA
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Christ Lutheran
Grace Lutheran
Faith Lutheran
Trinity Lutheran
Martinez, CA
Pittsburg, CA
Pleasant Hill, CA
Walnut Creek
Average Reported Weekly Worship Attendance of all congregations in Circuit 7: 1289
Mission Projects or Circuit Ministry Projects
At this time there are no Circuit 7 Mission projects or joint ministries.
Congregational Challenges within the Circuit
1. Continued aging of congregations with and ever-increasing number of the World War II
generation members being called to glory.
2. Congregational debt, shrinking revenue, and fatigue of members trying to keep the
institutional church mechanisms going.
3. The inability to “compete” with some larger congregations that offer more in the area of felt
needs than our small congregations can offer.
4. Struggles to adapt to the above mentioned changes and think in new ways to share Christ and
“do church.”
CIRCUIT #8 -- Rev. Stewart Crown -- Circuit Visitor
Throughout these reports you will read of preaching and teaching the Gospel of our Lord Jesus
Christ; you will read of Christian service offered within the congregations and to neighbors of
the congregations; you will hear of missionaries overseas and local evangelization; and you will
hear how the congregations strive for faithful stewardship of all of our Father’s gifts. And it is
worth noting—apart from the individual summaries—that each congregation mentioned these
circumstances: 1) ballooning housing costs, and 2) an increasing immigrant population. The first
may be beyond the congregations’ control; but in regard to the second, each congregation
believes that the Lord of Church has presented this an opportunity to reveal that the life of the
Church is “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit” amid shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Mountain View, CA
The Rev. Aaron Smith and the Rev. José Cervantes
“How do we reach all the people? Not only that the population is increasing … but how do we
reach where they live?” are the questions asked by this congregation and her pastor. For more
than a decade the congregation has devoted itself to Hispanic mission work, reaching into the
Spanish-speaking community with events such as a Posada and working in local service projects.
To demonstrate their unity in Christ, the two language groups in the congregation celebrate
bilingual services five times a year. The congregation also sees opportunity to bring the good
news to an ever-growing Asian immigration. The school has provided an important link to the
community, with the school’s enrollment increasing. The congregation’s mission work extends
far beyond Mountain View; members support Britt Anderson in Kenya and Siberian Lutheran
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Mission Society and the Lutheran Immigration Refugee Services. To ensure that the structure
serves the mission of the congregation and her school, the congregation is also restructuring its
bylaws to conform to the reality of ebb and flow and to allow flexibility in reaching the nations
with the Gospel.
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Palo Alto, CA
The Rev. Stewart Crown
Trinity and vicarage. Maybe nothing identifies the congregation like that program; through this
program the congregation offers her church experience for the benefit of training men for the
pastoral ministry and to meet her synodical commitment to campus ministry at Stanford. Trinity
is also working within, to train a member for the deaconess program. Daily Matins, a year-round
Sunday school, youth catechesis, and several weekly adult studies form the foundation for the
congregation’s instruction in the faith; semi-annual speaker events also provide times for indepth study of current issues in the Church and society. Trinity also continues supporting
members’ confessing the faith, offering a class on vocational witness - speaking the faith as
father, employer, etc. Offerings of members and of VBS support a variety of local and foreign
missions: partnering with St. Paul (Mountain View) for Hispanic work, the Siberia Lutheran
Mission Society, Tian Shan Mission Society, and two Africa projects: Project: Lutheran Pastoral
Education, West Africa (Sierra Leone) and Project Timothy (Kenya). A significant portion of the
congregation’s effort is devoted to local benevolence work, chiefly toward Hotel de Zink, a
month-long shelter program on-site.
Bethany Lutheran Church, Menlo Park, CA
The Rev. Jon Coyne
Though society and its economy shift and apartment complexes “hide” people, Bethany never
allows an opportunity for the proclamation of the Gospel and service to be overlooked. With her
offerings, the members support: Addis Kidan in S.F under the leadership of Pastor Tesfai
Tesema; Spanish language ministry in Watsonville, specifically through Vicar Juan Vallejo
under the supervisions of Pastor Stan Abraham; Chinese language ministry of Pastor David Chan
while at Christ for All Nations in San Francisco. Mission dinners highlight and gather offerings
to support that work and more. The congregation recently renovated its Family Center, which
followed the renovation of the sanctuary. The choirs—children and adult—and a bell choir and
guest musicians accompany the worship. For the building up of the saints, the Institution of Life
Tree Café hosts two sessions per week, gathering 10-20 people per week. The congregation also
has a vibrant reach into the local communities: Ongoing support of Tongan ministries in East
Palo Alto and East Menlo Park – Food Baskets, Christmas Gifts, Thanksgiving meal for the
homeless, McDonald’s Church. Members host an annual end of summer block party, Parent’s
Night Out, free speaker series, and congregational social events. Adding to the breadth of
outreach is Littlest Angels Preschool; school and congregation care for creation (Earth Day
planting of trees), visit senior retirement centers, and raise funds for St. Jude’s Children’s
Hospital and the Lutheran Malaria Initiative. Financial support is also given to Lutheran Social
Services. And in the virtual world, Bethany is involved in Project Burning Bush and refinement
of other programs related to electronic communications and new technology tools.
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Redeemer Lutheran Church and School, Redwood City, CA
The Rev. Harold Draeger and the Rev. Eric Robinson
Redeemer’s ministries continue to be blessed by the Lord. Volunteers serve under-resourced
populations on the Peninsula through providing meals for the homeless through Street Life
Ministries and shelter through Home and Hope. Annually Redeemer provides over 1000 teddy
bears to the Children’s Fund for kids who are experiencing traumatic moments. Its counseling
ministry serves between 15 and 20 clients per week. Short-term small groups serve between 5060 people wishing to apply their faith to their daily life. The congregation has a long tradition of
missions, supporting Carol Halter (Hong Kong) for over 25 years and the Rev. David Chan and
Faith Lutheran (South San Francisco). Redeemer also staffs for ministry to the millennial
population with its Pastor of Outreach, Eric Robinson. Redeemer’s School has received the
Distinguished School Award from Synod and has had its largest enrollments in its 57-year
history for the past three years and is near capacity. Its staff has been stable over the past eight
years. It has added a full-time resource specialist and vice-principal in the last triennium. The
congregation has begun the call process to find the successor to its senior pastor who has served
for over 22 years at Redeemer and will retire at the end of September 2014. The congregation is
remodeling the old school classroom building into a modern administrative center. Pastor Paul
Hoffmann continues to serve the senior population of the congregation.
Grace Lutheran Church and School, San Mateo, CA
The Rev. David Carver and the Rev. Frank Balgeman
Reaching outward and building inward characterizes this congregation and her school. Pastor
Carver, with just over two years at Grace, continues the fundamentals that keep a congregation
solid: ongoing visitation, elder training and their assistance of the public ministry (along the lines
of Acts 6), and for all segments of the congregation regular instruction in Christian life, as a
congregation and as a member of the Synod. To show its commitment to education, the
congregation and school have begun a renovation of technology (and to update their presence in
the ever-changing electronic world), a review of the grounds; and it has created a recruiting
position, the director of admissions. Coupled with education is a devotion to mercy work; the
school uses its offerings to serve those in need, and the congregation intends to create a sub
committee called Mercy works for general oversight of the congregation’s benevolent works.
The congregation offer generous support to Concordia Theological Seminary students, Luther
Academy, the Good News publication, Project Timothy, and missionaries the Rev. Dennis
Meeker (Kenya), the Rev.Tony Booker (Prague, Czech Republic), and the Rev. Carl Rockrohr
(Republic of South Africa).
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Pacifica, CA
The Rev. Dan Kistler
In “a winsome and reasonable manner” is how the saints of Our Savior’s shine as light and taste
as salt in Pacifica. They are built on regular teaching and preaching through the divine services,
in catechesis, during VBS, and also with a course on apologetics. The congregation is developing
a core group of instrumentalists and also its children choir, which was encouraged by a recent
guest (more about that at the end). And from that sure foundation, the members then extend
themselves into the community by outreach and their vocations: a booth at Fog Fest, distribution
of Gospel literature, the use of web-based media, Christmas caroling in public spaces, and this
year live nativity and Christmas fair. The Dorcas Society is a vital aspect of the internal life; and
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the congregation generously offers assistance to Project Timothy (Kenya), Concordia
Theological Seminary, Lutheran Bible Translators, Issues, etc., and other societies and agencies.
Now about the recent guest: for three months in 2014 Pastor Kistler and the Rev. Klaus
Bergmann exchanged pulpits; Bergmann is pastor of two congregations Philippusgemeinde
Gifhorn-Gamsen and St. Michaelsgemeinde Wolfsburg-Westhagen of Selbständige EvangelischLutherische Kirche (SELK). Both congregations and pastors enjoyed the opportunity to learn and
to be encouraged by fellow saints.
Trinity Lutheran Church, Burlingame, CA
First Lutheran Church, South San Francisco, CA
The Rev. Jeff Schufreider
The changing populations have offered to this dual parish a multitude of opportunities. Trinity,
Burlingame, has elected to focus on education and to minister to local Chinese families. In
regard to the former, twenty-seven families (chiefly Asian) attend its school - a five week
vacation Bible school program is offered during the summer; the school will expand its offerings
in Fall 2015. For the latter, Pastor Daniel Wu will assist in the 2015 kick-off. The congregation
knows that the Church is larger than the Peninsula world, even if the world comes to the
Peninsula; so she gladly supports the seminaries and also the missions and missionaries of the
Siberian Lutheran Mission Society and the Tian Shan Mission Society. A regular monthly
mission luncheon keeps members informed about the work. For First Lutheran, the Lutheran
Women’s Missionary League is a large part of the congregation, leading in mission work and
service; the members support a local food bank and the seminaries. And with the help of the
school (which is not a part of the congregation), the members are tackling some maintenance
issues.
Faith Lutheran Church, South San Francisco, CA
The Rev. David Chan
Faith Lutheran may be the youngest congregation of the circuit, but Pastor Chan and the
members are not hesitating in bold outreach. To provide an easily identified hook on which to
hang all congregational work, the congregation is developing a mission statement. Pastor Chan
pours his effort into leadership development, discipleship of every member of the congregation
(he calls it being salt and light, “the everyday Christian”), and the basics of evangelism and
outreach with events on a bi-monthly basis. Though ads in local Chinese papers are used and
various community service events (e.g., picnics and class of community interest) “get out” the
name of the congregation, face to face invitation, Pastor Chan says, is still the best. The
congregation conducts worship and her business in Cantonese; right now the demographics of
the congregation are balanced from youngest to oldest, but as the congregation matures in its
American context, Pastor Chan can foresee a time when an English-speaking service will be
held. Most members are residents of the nearby cities; however, some students are citizens of
China, to which they will return … to disperse the seed of the Gospel. The congregation elected
to rent space for its worship services; God has given pastor and congregation an solid
relationship with First Lutheran, South San Francisco, from whom Faith rents. The congregation
asks for your prayers as she considers her dual language context, future space needs, and the next
generation of Chinese to preach and teach.
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CIRCUIT #9 – Rev. Mark Whittaker – Circuit Visitor
Trinity Lutheran Church, Paso Robles, CA
Rev. Daniel Rowe
Trinity continues to expand its world mission work. We now directly support work with
money and people in India, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Brazil and Peru. In addition, we support local
ministries of "Family Care Network," a Christian foster/adoption agency,
"Tree of Life Crisis Pregnancy Center," "Loaves and Fishes" (feeding the less fortunate), and
several other agencies. Our people have tremendous hearts for reaching out with the love of
Jesus Christ.
Our school continues to increase in numbers and we recently transitioned from braille to large
print Bibles, supporting the ministry of Lutheran Braille Workers.
90th Anniversary- 2011 - Celebrated by having a special service and luncheon. This
coincided with the 50th anniversary of our school and the 20th anniversary of our
preschool.
Dedicated our memorial bricks, ''Bridge to the Future."
Our circuit has several times sent people to Mexico to build houses and individuals within
the circuit have helped support the cost of houses.
Zion Lutheran Church, San Luis Obispo, CA
Rev. John Gross
Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of San Luis Obispo is celebrating its 107th year of
ministering the Gospel in our community. By the grace of God we've experienced growth in
attendance, membership and baptisms in the last few years. This year we've been further
blessed by the addition of a vicar and his family, which is working to enlarge our existing
ministry while allowing us to start new endeavors as well. We're hoping to continue the
Vicarage program in the coming years.
Peace Lutheran Church, Arroyo Grande, CA
Rev. Mark Whittaker,
1.
Shepherding Program: Started in January 2012. Twice a year, every member has
a private family contact with an assigned Shepherd who works with the Board of
Elders.
2
An Administrative Assistant job description was generated and the position filled.
3. Began a number of seminars to be held on a yearly basis: Financial Peace
University, Life with God, Marriage Enrichment, Grace-Based Parenting, Fearfully
Made, Fearfully Shaped, Fearfully Equipped.
4. Implemented new governance structure, with temporary bylaws, to reduce
number of standing committees and create ministry task groups as needed.
5. Greatly expanded the Music Ministry so that special music is sung by a Choir or Praise
Team each week, using a variety of music and musical instruments.
6. Created a comprehensive Outreach plan that includes three basic areas: (1)
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Interaction with the families of the preschool; (2) Establishment of "outpost" ministries
and special events throughout the Five Cities area; and (3) Establishment of outpost
ministries in Central Coast cities/towns without a strong confessional Lutheran
presence.
7. Called and installed Pastor Wayne Riddering as part-time Associate Pastor of Outreach,
July 2013.
8.
Incorporated projection system for sanctuary for projection of songs and order
of worship, along with announcements.
9. Braille Ministry discontinued, at request of Lutheran Braille Workers headquarters,
ending decades of producing braille materials for the blind.
10.
Produced full color "yearbook" highlighting members and ministry
accomplishments of
2011-2012.
11. A $125,000 Church Beautification Project, addressing long-term maintenance and
upkeep issues, was completed, paid in full, in one year's time, two years ahead of
schedule. Property rededicated to the Lord in September with Rev. Ted Hartman special
speaker.
12.
Created a Church Property Manager position to take the place of a board for church
property.
13. Completely redesigned the website for the church, to which the preschool will soon be
added. www.peacearroyogrande.com. We also have a Facebook presence.
14. Preschool reached record enrollment levels.
15. Community evangelism bulk mailing with follow-up through neighbor canvasses.
16. Established a small group ministry in Nipomo.
17. Established a small group ministry in Morro Bay.
18. Ladies went on a congregational retreat, with 22 attending.
19. Revitalized the Church Endowment Fund.
20. Held f ur Mission University seminars with St. John's Lutheran Church (AG), with
solid attendance from both congregations. Other LCMS congregations also attended.
21. Peace and Redeemer (Atascadero) began a relationship that enables Pastor Riddering to
serve as Vacancy Pastor at Redeemer, part of Peace's commitment to strengthening
confessional Lutheran presence in Central Coast cities/towns.
22. Two more Mission University seminars with St. John's Lutheran Church (AG) the first
two months of the year.
Personal Milestones- Pastor Wayne Riddering and Pastor Mark Whittaker
Wayne Riddering
Read through the Bible in a year.
Took my wife on a date once a month.
Improved my computer skills somewhat.
Spent more quality time with our
grandkids. Exercised 3 times a week.
Completed landscaping our yards.
Caught up on my "must read" pile of books.
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Mark Whittaker
Celebrated 30 years in the pastoral ministry, June
2014.
Youngest son got married, October 2014.
Elected Circuit Visitor, 2014.
Circuit #9 Mission Directions
The fraternal relationship of the pastors of the circuit is a gift for and from the
congregations of the circuit. Most active and many retired pastors meet on a regular basis
with good discussions about significant things.
The circuit said good-bye to Herbert and Markie Burch, who left for the mission fields of
Peru. Several circuit congregations are supporting the Burch's.
The circuit continues to hold about $20,000 in a circuit mission fund that was designated
for Hispanic ministry, originally conducted by Herbert Burch. How those funds will be
used in the future is one thing the circuit will be addressing.
The circuit is also concerned about a narrow definition of missions suitable for LCMS
congregational support, recently approved by the CCM of the LCMS. If this definition
prevails, many of the congregations of the circuit will have difficult decisions about their
mission dollars.
The circuit is working on a regional approach to youth activities, since many of the
congregations do not have sufficient numbers of youth to sustain a local program.
Grace Lutheran Church, Santa Maria, CA
Rev. Magdiel Fajardo
The Lord is healing His people, as our Congregation gathers together in Service they are being
healed through the forgiveness of sins, nourished with the Word and Sacraments and praying
for each other. God is providing for His Church financially, our members continue to
support the Church and its mission by faithful giving.
The word of God works in His people in miraculous ways. Our Church members are active
in Church activities as well as in Community serving activities. One of them is the Good
Samaritan Shelter where they seek to not just prepare meals but reach and share God's love
with homeless and people going through difficult times. We plan to have a mediation of
the word of God with them once a month.
The Church and the Nursery School are having activities together, like the Posada and Christmas
Program for the Nursery School during Sunday service which allows Church members to
invite families to the Church and establish good relations with them, praying this will lead to
share the good news of Jesus Christ.
The Congregation is rapidly moving to be a more welcoming congregation with our Hispanic
neighborhood. At the same time we are looking forward to grow and reach to our English
speaking population specially family and friends of current Church Members.
The Lord has allowed us to establish a better relationship with our School to bring un-church
people to the Lord as well as at the Good Samaritan Shelter.
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In 2013 we celebrated the 75th Anniversary as a Congregation.
In July 27th, 2014, we celebrating the Ordination and installation of Pastor Magdiel
Fajardo. Pastor Herb Burch was sent as missionary to Lima, Peru.
We celebrated a Posada in December 17th where 74 people attended, about 50 of those
people were not Church members, mainly families from our School and friends of
Church members. Great outreach.
For our School Christmas Program we also had about 50 people joining for Service who are no
Church members. We are glad to continue to host such events to serve our neighbor.
As a circuit, we had been encouraged by the visit of our District President Robert Newton, we
had a nice Pastors Conference in Reno which are great encouragement and opportunities to
discuss and nourish one another as Pastors.
Bethany Lutheran Church, Lompoc, CA
Rev. Joseph Byrd,
Bethany continues to offer Divine Service and a fellowship meal each Wednesday. This
service is especially geared for the mobility challenged. Bethany acquired a bus with a
heavy duty lift which transports folks in wheeled and unwheeled devices from the local care
facility. Bethany has developed a teamwork approach to perform all the tasks that are
required to hold a Divine Service and host a meal. This event took on an even more outward
focus after Bethany teamed up with other congregations and organizations aligned to
provide a meal for hungry people each day of the week. The poor, the hungry, the homeless,
those that cannot walk all gather to serve each other.
This event has provided a vehicle for all to learn what "blessed to be a blessing" can
mean.
2015: 11th year of Divine Service and meal on Wednesday.
2015 marks 9th Anniversary of ordination.
2015 marks 5th Anniversary installation at Bethany
Have reduced bodyweight by 50+ pounds and maintained for 18+ months.
Massive diversity- K-8 School, university students; pensioners- commonality is Christ
crucified.
A message of hope for world in despair.
CIRCUIT #10 – Rev. Norm Milz – Circuit Visitor
Bethlehem Lutheran Church and School – Carson City, NV
Bethlehem Lutheran continues to rejoice in the Lord’s gifts given to us by the grace of Christ.
The church celebrated its 55th anniversary this past year and 50th anniversary on our current
property. Various bible study opportunities abound - throughout the year for men, women, and
all people, in short summer studies and one time winter studies, always providing for a chance to
study in God’s Word. By God’s grace the work through the school continues flourish with
increasing enrollment. As a congregation we continue to serve our community outside our doors
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particularly with work in providing food, toiletries, coats, and other needs along with support of
the Community Pregnancy Center. We give thanks that the Lord continues to provide
opportunity to provide His Word and Sacrament to His people.
Our Savior, Chester, CA and First Lutheran, Greenville, CA
In 2014 Our Savior, Chester and First Lutheran, Greenville worked toward calling a new pastor
and in May called Rev. Tyrel Bramwell, a candidate from Concordia Theological Seminary in
Fort Wayne. The remainder of the year has been filled with much excitement as everyone has
been getting to know the new pastor and his family. As both congregations are considered replants there has been a major emphasis on outreach which has included getting in the
communities. Our Savior has started reaching out to the hiking community, showing the love of
Christ to the PCT hikers on their way to Canada or Mexico by providing for their physical needs.
Our Savior has also made great strides in supporting the community by donating significant
funds (the fruit of two specific fund raisers) to Chester’s public school music program and the
local food pantry. First Lutheran has also reached out her community getting involved in
parades, festivals, and sponsoring the community supper. People are hearing the Gospel of Jesus
in these places and the Holy Spirit has been renewing and refreshing the faith of believers who
left the church in days gone by, calling them back to where the Word can be heard in purity and
truth.
Our Savior Lutheran Church, Sparks, NV
The average weekly attendance for 2014 was 91 people/Sunday. A new human care ministry was
developed in 2014: Sending Communion to the Homebound on the first Sunday of the month.
Since a small group emphasis was initiated in the fall of 2012, we have increased the percentage
of people in Bible study to about 33% of the worshipping adult population. Growth Group topics
in the past year include: Peacemaking Church, Gospel of Matthew, Power of the Praying Parent,
LHM Men’s Network, and Living with Pain. The “Fall Semester 2014” congregational-focused
topic for sermon series and small group study during a two month period was Greg Finke’s book,
“Joining Jesus on His Mission.” In 2014, we focused on perfecting a solid discipleship model,
positioned the congregation for relationship based evangelism, and grew our leadership. Areas to
work on are controlling back-door losses and a deficit budget. Our future goal is to launch a
missional community in 2015.
Shepherd of the Sierra Lutheran, Carson City, NV
Shepherd of the Sierra, by the grace of God, has continued to grow each year. It is a joy to share
Jesus Christ with others in true Christian fellowship and love. During the past three years, we
have held two all-church reads, along with sermon series’ based on Max Lucado’s books –
“Grace” and “You’ll Get Through This.” There were four small groups that discussed the books
each week. We continue to provide food for the homeless and those in need from the community.
We have opened our doors to provide space for Nevada Head Injury, Parents of Disabled, Bible
Study Fellowship (BSF), and four different musical concert groups. Our highest priority is
proclaiming God’s Good News of love and grace, and carrying out God’s mission everywhere.
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St. Luke Lutheran Church, Portola, CA
St. Luke has been and continues to be served by Deacon Perry Harding. The congregation
continues to have between 10-15 in attendance each Sunday morning. Because of the mild winter
these past two years, the attendance has stayed relatively consistent. This past Christmas Eve
their attendance doubled to 30. The congregation has elected and installed new officers and are
planning for the future and in their service to the community.
St. Luke Lutheran Church, Reno, NV
St. Luke Lutheran is continuing its search for a new Senior Pastor. Currently, Associate Pastor
John Scheuermann is leading worship, supplemented by Pastor Emeritus Mike Benke. The Call
Committee is comprised of elected members from existing boards within the congregation,
including members elected ‘at large’ following a special election to the committee. Elders and
Council continue to adapt to a longer than anticipated vacancy period. Outlook is positive, and
no slowdown is perceived in the various outreach and mission activities of the church. The
Tutoring and Mentoring program has grown from last year, and there have been several new
neighborhood outreach programs building on the success of the Tutoring and Mentoring
program, and our equally successful Christmas outreach as well.
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Susanville, CA
St. Paul Lutheran has just elected a new Church Council and is looking for ways to connect to
the Susanville community. During the past three years, they have been serviced by Deacon Bob
Shockley and retired Pastor Ethan Gebauer. At this time they are being led by a lay Elder from
the congregation. They remain stable, but weekly attendance is stable but small. The people are
dedicated to their congregation.
Trinity Lutheran Church, Gardnerville, NV
Trinity Lutheran Church had an exciting year at Trinity for 2014. We have seen spiritual growth
in the congregation by utilizing “The Story” as a church wide experience and increasing our
Bible Study participation to an average of over one hundred per week. The Bible studies along
with our Vacation Bible School, composed of fifty volunteers and over one hundred and ten
children, allowed us to stay in the Word. We were able to donate over ten thousand dollars to
feed the hungry through our men’s ministry car show, with fifty seven classic cars, and our youth
programs. We also shared Jesus at our child care center which was voted the number one center
in the Carson Valley for the fifth year in a row and was accredited by NAEYC. During 2014, our
five Stephen Ministry Leaders trained thirteen Stephen Ministers who are ministering to those in
need from our congregation and community. We continued our capital campaign to build our
memorial garden, parking lot and building facilities by raising over two hundred thousand
dollars. In 2015, we will celebrate one hundred and twenty years of ministry at Trinity Lutheran
Church.
CIRCUIT #11 – Rev. Mitch Gowen – Circuit Visitor
Circuit 11 is comprised of nine churches, 1 preaching station, 1 old/new mission (Kauai), four
elementary schools, 1 standalone preschool and 1 high school located on four of the Hawaiian
islands. Since the last convention there are new pastors at Trinity, Wahiawa and Good Shepherd,
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Honolulu. One church is in the calling process (Christ, Hilo) and one is in a long term vacancy
(Messiah, Ewa Beach). Emmanuel, Maui installed a part-time associate pastor and St. Mark,
Kaneohe called their DCE intern. We celebrated baptisms, weddings, heavenly homecomings
and special events. Lutheran High of Orange County and Concordias: Bronxville, Portland and
Irvine all came to visit. We sent missionaries to Kyrgyzstan, Bangkok and the Navajo
Nation. And we are starting a new Hawaiian language ministry on the Waianae Coast. Other
than that, the palm trees are still swaying, the warm waters of the Pacific are still inviting and
we're still waiting for the District to let us host a Pastor's Conference or District Convention.
CIRCUIT #12 – Rev. James Cavener -- Circuit Visitor
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy
Spirit be with you all.(2 Corinthians 13:14 ESV)
Greetings from Superior California!
The state agencies of California often designate all of the counties which lie in our circuit as
either “rural” or “frontier,” as they are thinly populated and still tend to suffer the economic
troubles of the national recession of 2008. Our Lord continues to provide pastors to serve His
churches in this challenging region with the Holy Means of Grace. This is miraculous when one
considers the pressures of a depressed economy, joblessness, secularized education and culture
on our children, families, and congregational leaders. At considerable financial sacrifice by
congregations and pastors, ministry continues to move forward in areas where the true Gospel is
so sorely needed. This is the work of God (John 6:29a).
The congregations composing our circuit are:
 Artois, St. Paul and
 Willows, First – Pr. Philip Zabell (dual parish)
 Burney, Faith - Elder-led with sacramental coverage by Pr. Emeritus John Krueger of
Montague, and sermon assistance from Christ-Mount Shasta.
 Chico, Redeemer – Pr. Donald Jordan
 Colusa, Bethlehem – Pr. Emeritus Walter Schedler (pt)
 Corning, Mount Olive and
 Red Bluff, St. Paul – Pr. Dallas Dubke (dual parish)
 Gridley, Grace – Pr. Zabdi Lopez (pt)
 Mount Shasta, Christ – Pr. James Cavener (pt)
 Oroville, Calvary – Pr. Douglas Williams
 Paradise, Our Savior – Pr. Brandon Merrick
 Redding, Trinity – vacant, currently served by intentional interim Pr. David Rose
Circuit 12, as well as all of our California churches, is privileged to have working among us the
Reverend Geta Dirasse, Religious Life Director and Ministry Consultant for Bethesda Lutheran
Communities, California Regional Office, based in Redding, and member at Trinity, Redding.
Pr. Dirasse is an active participant in circuit Winkels. Other associated ministries include active
campus ministry of Redeemer, Chico to Cal State University-Chico and Butte College, and Pr.
James Cavener serving (pt) as the Healthcare Chaplain for Madrone Hospice of Yreka.
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A number of active Pastors Emeritii give significant service to our congregations in transition:
Pr. Roy Mason (Browns Valley), Pr. Walter Schedler, Colusa (Colusa), and Pr. Robert Roberts
(Chico). They have also contributed to the richness of our circuit Winkels (Pr. Roberts is the
Winkel chairman.). In addition Pr. Emeritus Robert Schofner holds monthly Divine Service at
the historic Little Shasta Church in northern Siskiyou County. Recently-retired Pr. Emeritus
Mark Stenbeck continues to live in Paradise and is an active pastoral presence in the circuit.
Some changes during the triennium: Trinity-Redding became vacant in early 2014, and is now in
an “intentional interim” process. Bethlehem-Colusa also became vacant until Pr Emeritus Walter
Schedler accepted the Divine Call to be their (pt) Pastor. In early 2014, Pr. Mark Stenbeck, Our
Savior-Paradise announced his plan to retire as soon as another called Pastor was in place at
OSLC. God provided by calling Pr. Brandon Merrick of San Jose who was installed in December
2014. In resigning his call to Bethlehem-Colusa, Pr. Zabdi Lopez accepted (pt) duties as
consultant with the Synod’s Hispanic ministry and continues to live in Gridley and serve at
Grace Lutheran Church.
Our churches support district and synod ministries, struggling fellow churches, RSOs, and the
needs of God’s people in our communities, our nation, and around the world. A number of our
Pastors gather for our monthly Winkels to pray, preach, study the Word of God, engage in
theological study and discourse, and encourage one another to remain faithful to our common
Confession of the Faith.
We are thankful for the spread of the saving Gospel in the far northern regions of California, and
pray that, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, we will continue to appreciate and engage the
opportunities to connect people to the reconciling work of Jesus Christ.
Your servant in Christ,
Pr. James Cavener, Circuit Visitor
CIRCUIT #13 – Rev. James A. Kabel -- Circuit Visitor
Circuit 13 congregations reflect demographic realities that are pretty typical for main-line
churches across the country. Our clergy respect, trust and treasure one another as brothers in
Christ.
Hope, Fortuna
This congregation has experienced the most significant decline. Worship
attendance is now about 8 or 10 per Sunday. Congregational membership is not more than 20,
99% of which are over 65. The pastor is health-impaired and on 85% disability. Sunday
morning worship is the sole mission/ministry activity of the congregation. Their ladies do
maintain an active LWML group and are very supportive of our LWML Zone.
St. Mark’s, Ferndale
St. Mark’s pastor left in 2013 after accepting a call to another
congregation. The dwindling size of the congregation created a time of reflection and decisionmaking for the congregation. They are determined to remain a vital spiritual influence in
Ferndale, and to keep the outward-looking vision for ministry that their pastor and his wife had
encouraged. St. Mark’s is currently in the midst of a long-term half-time vacancy. They are
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served by Pastor Ernie Savage whose pastoral heart has done much to impart healing in the
congregation. Pastor Savage’s heart for the community and sharing the Gospel make him an
ideal shepherd for St. Mark’s, and the congregation has experienced a doubling in regular
Sunday worship attendance in the time that Pastor Savage has been serving among them.
Lutheran Church of Arcata
The congregation continues to emphasize the need to
increase its visibility in the larger community. The facility is frequently used by as a voting
station, by the University, and various community groups. The congregation’s Fall Harvest
Festival has become popular not only in Arcata, drawing participants from as much as 40 miles
away! From humble beginnings, the Festival regularly draws over 300. The congregation has
increased accessibility to the lower level of the main building with the addition of a ramp and
railing. Campus Ministry at Humboldt State University continues to be an emphasis of LCA
ministry and outreach. LCoA also experienced a vacancy when their Pastor left mid-2014 after
accepting a Call to Kenmore, WA. The congregation is currently involved in the Call Process.
Grace, Crescent City
Grace has also maintained a steady trend in membership and
attendance. The congregation has strong, committed lay leadership and has weathered a bit of a
challenge to that leadership. On this side of that experience, Grace has embraced an outreachmentality and is working to reach the lost. Early in 2014 the congregation welcomed Pastor
Marty Tyler and his wife Debbie. The congregation completed a major remodel and expansion
of its kitchen. After 25 years of preschool ministry, the congregation decided to close its
preschool ministry on 18 January 2015 with a Service of Thanksgiving during which the
preschool staff was recognized and thanked. The congregation hosts several large events each
year open to the community, with good attendance and active follow-up.
Both Humboldt and Del Norte counties are significantly non-churched. Due to the small nature
of our congregations and the fact that they are somewhat isolated from one another by distance,
it has been difficult to plan joint outreach ministry. Nevertheless, there is strong pastoral support
and enthusiasm for such joint efforts. Meetings to that end began early in 2014 between the
Lutheran Church of Arcata and St. Mark’s Lutheran, Ferndale.
The reality is that plateaued congregations are declining. As a whole, demographically our
congregations skew older. Developing an active out-reach frame of mind and ministry will be
critical to our survival and growth on the North Coast of California.
Circuit #14 – Rev. James D. Beyer – Circuit Visitor
The congregation of Circuit 14 have enjoyed great blessing over the past three years. Stretching
120 miles from south to north and scattered over three Nor-Cal counties - Sonoma, Mendocino
and Lake -the thirteen congregations of the Redwood Empire remain strongly supportive and
encouraging of one another as they pursue the mission Christ has given each.
Listed according to length of ministry and mission:
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1)
St. Luke Evangelical Lutheran, Santa Rosa, CA. – (Founded 1888) 127 years old has
been the “mother church” with seven daughter congregations (indicated = *) in the circuit.
Served by sole Pastor Rev John Mueller, St. Luke has been focusing on spiritual formation and
discipleship through employment of The Story Bible Study and preaching church wide
experience and has now begun a second spiritual growth experience, Believe. St. Luke has a
dynamic “Breakfast Ministry” which feeds 100+ high school students every morning (Mon-Fri)
to two high schools within 2 blocks of the church. This ministry is in its 11th year and is all
volunteer (retirees) and self-funded. And St Luke Lutheran School and Pre-School continue to
offer excellent parochial education to parish and community.
2)
*St. John Evangelical Lutheran, Petaluma, CA. – (Founded 1910) 105 years old. Rev
John Doolittle, CRM, has been serving as Vacancy Pastor for over two years. In February of this
year they entered into a search process to determine their next step to fill the Pastor Office and
have begun some work with District Exec, Rev Ted Hartman, to look at healthy practices,
mission growth, and future mission and ministry.
3)
*Faith Lutheran, Ukiah, CA. – (Founded 1941) 73 years old. The current Pastor, The
Rev Maynard Schulz, has served Faith for 23 years. His steady leadership has been good for
them as they continue their mission and ministry focused on worship, Bible study, youth
ministry, and community connections.
4)
*Grace Lutheran, Cloverdale, CA. (Founded 1952) - 63 years old. The congregation
has been ably served by Certified Lay Deacon, Fred Karlen, DCE., of Santa Rosa. Deacon
Karlen focuses on faithfully administering the means of grace as he leads the various aspects of
the congregations life worship, Sacraments, and ministry and mission into the community.
5)
First Lutheran, Lucerne, CA .(Founded 1953) - 62 years old. Formerly a dual parish
with St John, Clearlake and served by one Pastor, First Lutheran is now served principally by
Vacancy Pastor, The Rev Chris Del Col, CRM. They has been modest growth in worship under
Pastor Del Col’s and the congregation has enjoyed learning about new ways of engaging the
Lake County culture and residents in mission and ministry.
6)
St. John Lutheran, Willits, CA. (Founded 1953) – 62 years old. The Rev Karl Bliese
has been faithfully serving St John as its Pastor for more than 7 years. Pastor Bliese also serves
on the District’s Disabilities Ministries Committee. Under his shepherding, the congregation has
remained anchored in Christ through Bible study, worship, and the attitude of caring for all.
7)
*Good Shepherd Lutheran, Healdsburg, CA. (Founded 1954) – 58 years old. Good
Shepherd went into vacancy January 2014 when The Rev Clint Lutz, took a call to the Northwest
District. The congregation quickly secured the services of the Rev Jim Bothwell, em, to serve as
Interim Pastor until such time a new Call could be extended and accepted. The congregation
completed the Intentional Interim Ministry process and is currently (February) whittling down a
list of Candidates. The congregation’s strengths over recent years have been in contemporary
worship, Biblical preaching, Bible studies, youth ministry and a preschool.
8)
*Mt. Olive Lutheran, Sebastopol, CA. (Founded 1954) – 61 years old. Mt Olive went
into a pastoral vacancy when the The Rev Vincent Shaw left to follow a pathway that lead him to
Military Chaplaincy Ministry. The ministry of Word and Sacrament was nearly immediately
provided by emeriti Pastors, The Rev Ted Mueller, em, and The Rev Jim Bothwell em. They
shared the care of the congregation up until Bothwell began Interim work in Healdsburg. Since
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then, Pastor Mueller has been the principal shepherd. The congregation is marked by loving and
caring people who want to continue to move toward even more ministry and mission in the
congregation and the community.
9)
St John Lutheran, Clearlake, CA (Founded 1960) – 55 years old. Formerly in dual
parish arrangements with First Lutheran, Lucerne, the saints of St John are faithfully served by
Vacancy Pastor, The Rev Gary Bell, em. . (See notes above). They have the newest facilities of
the two congregations. They have 1 bible study group. (Avg. Worship 40)
10)
*St. Mark Lutheran, Santa Rosa, CA (Founded 1962) - 53 years old. Served by The
Rev Jim Beyer (since 1984) and The Rev Dennis Durham (since 1998), may be the largest and
most ministry diverse and ministry active among the circuit churches. There is a good pastoral
team ministry in place and good lay involvement in inward growth as well as outreach. There
are numerous bible study groups. They have a strong youth ministry under the leadership of Sina
Williams, DCE. They focus on Sunday school, VBS, Bible study, and youth group ministry;
have an active food pantry with a children’s evangelism dimension; and do world-wide outreach
missions. Twice a year they organize “HOP DAYS” (Helping Other People) send 100+
volunteers out into the community to do service projects with the spirit of Christian love and
witness.
11)
*Vineyard of Faith Lutheran, Windsor, CA (Founded 1995) - 20 years old. The Rev
Lonnie Felcher, has been faithfully serving VOF for five years as sole Pastor. Under Pastor
Lonnie there has been slow and steady growth in membership. VOF’s mission, ministry and
outreach into the community is creative, bold, and incarnational. The last several years has
brought new mission planting work among the Spanish speaking community of Windsor using
the part time services of The Rev Gabriel Vallejo.
12)
Word of Grace Lutheran, Rohnert Park, CA. (A mission congregation of the CNH
District) – Launched in 2003, this ministry was begun as a mission plant under the leadership of
The Rev Eric Johnson, with the parameters of being non-traditional LC-MS and has mainly
reached to the un-churched and low income folks. Pastor Johnson continued his work up until
November of 2013 when he took a call to serve as a District Mission Facilitator in the LCMS
Southern District. The congregation decided to end weekly worship services; yet, continues to
work in organic small group ministry in the town of Rohnert Park, independent of the CNH
District.
13) Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Laytonville, CA. (Founded in 1957). 58 years
old. After a long term Pastoral Vacancy, the congregation voted in 2013 to become an
independent congregation no longer affiliated with the LCMS or District, and requested pastor
services to be supplied by clergy from another denomination. The SOTV actions and decisions
were not reported to the District President’s Office until February of 2015. The Circuit Visitor
understands at the time of this summary (February) that the District President will take
appropriate action immediately on these matters.
The Circuit continues to enjoy the presence and participation in activities of The Rev Dr Walt
Rubke, em, The Rev Fred Jagow, em, and the Rev Curtis Binz, CRM , all members at St Luke,
Santa Rosa.
Serving together for the cause of Christ,
The Rev Jim Beyer, Circuit 14 Counselor, February 20, 2015
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CIRCUIT # 15 -- Rev. Clarence H. Eisberg -- Circuit Visitor
Greetings to our brothers and sisters in Christ in the California-Nevada-Hawaii District. Our
congregations serve communities in the Central San Joaquin Valley. These communities are
surrounded by the orange and olive groves of Exeter & Lindsey, the Sierra Foothills and
communities along the 99 Highway corridor.
Our congregations jointly support the Lutheran Hour and continue to reach the
unchurched in our communities while proclaiming the good news of Jesus. We take the words
of St. Paul to heart: “Don’t become so well adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without
even thinking. Instead fix your attention on God.” (The Message)
Shepherd of the Sierra in Coarsegold has a small group that leads worship once a month at an
Oakhurst retirement home and then 3 Sundays in a local school. The congregation is served by
Deacon David Johnson who is taking classes through the Portland program.
Emmanuel in Clovis
The revitalization process at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Clovis, CA, began 6 years ago with a
congregational assessment and CNH District prescriptions, has entered a new phase of ministry,
says Pastor Ed Krueger. The congregation is now operating within a balanced budget and has
grown to support two Sunday worship services with a combined attendance of 190, plus a
monthly Saturday night Country pre-evangelism event.
Emmanuel has begun developing missional communities to better engage the community in
addition to its ongoing “canning hunger”, Bethesda, and inner city care ministries.
Vicar Gary Gerloff is completing his final year as vicar. He and the congregation are studying
the possibilities of beginning a mission in nearby Sanger.
In 2015 Emmanuel Lutheran will be celebrating its 125th year of ministry in the Fresno/Clovis
area. A weekend outdoor celebration will be held on campus on May 2 and 3.
First Lutheran in Hanford has completed the “Transforming for Ministry” evaluation and is
being served by Pastor David Bass. The congregation is continuing the process of evaluation as
they serve families in their community. By God’s grace the ministry will grow and bring forth
much fruit, as promised by our Savior. God is taking an active role in healing and renewing our
congregation. We are no longer divided by past feuds and allegiances the pre-school which
closed down over two years ago. We have put aside our personal differences, and are working
together on projects to benefit the church and its ministries. We actually greet each other
during the service each Sunday and stay for coffee and fellowship afterwards. Bible study on
Sunday and Thursdays have doubled and at times tripled their attendance from past years.
Members are planning church ministry projects in the community. Ministries to the homeless,
and a hosting a weekly Girl Scout troop meeting are happening now. We are also planning on
using our rebuilt fellowship hall for neighborhood movie nights. The council is looking at using
our unused buildings to do community outreach such as a drop in babysitting co-op for navy
wives whose husbands are on deployment and a drop in after school homework and WiFi
center.
Grace in Visalia We the members of Grace Lutheran Church are a strong medium sized church
located in the heart of Visalia, and have served this community since 1907. We also own 20
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acres of property in East Visalia which has the potential of a future expansion and increased
ministry. We are a warm, accepting and living congregation.
We provide two worship services each Sunday. The 8 am tradition style service is organ
led; and the 10:30 contemporary style service is led by a worship band. Worship for the Lahu
Shi community is offered at 1:00 p.m. Pastor Soun See (EIIT-Concordia Seminary graduate_
serves the Lahu Congregation.
We are known for our Christian education school ministry to children. Grace Christian
School offers a high quality education for students Kindergarten through 7th grade (new this
year). Our preschool, child care center serves children 2-6 year of age. School ministry offers
opportunities for engagement for the parents and child.
We are in the midst of a 5 year capital stewardship appeal: “The Next 100 YearsDrawing People to Jesus” Phase I included a focus on “functional ministry-a new and upgraded
space and infrastructure, combined with a focus on relational ministry, involving people,
fellowship, and service. We have added modular classrooms for the expansion of the day school.
We also support a Lahu “Deacon” serving in northern Thailand, and his congregation.
He is about 60% through the LISA course with a path toward ordination in the Concordia
Lutheran Church of Thailand. We also reach out to the developmentally challenged in our area
with Bethesda Lutheran Communities.
Grace is fully committed to a staffed Youth Ministry, knowing that youth and children’s
ministry are challenges for the future from the congregational side along with Greg Finke’s
words “Joining Jesus in His Mission.”
Trinity in Exeter Over the last three years the ministry of Trinity Lutheran Church and Little
Lambs Preschool has moved forward in several key areas. We have continued to advance our
outreach into our preschool through small group Bible studies and personal interaction. Our
congregation has also welcomed a bi-lingual family who began a small group youth Bible study
to the Hispanic children that reside in apartments across the street from Trinity. On
Thanksgiving 2012 we launched an annual community Thanksgiving dinner which drew 150
people in the first year and 230 in 2013 and 2014. In the last half of 2014 we received a
significant gift from a member who passed away and are in the midst of prayerfully considering
how to utilize it to further our ministry. As a whole, circuit 15 continues to transform into a
circuit with healthy pastoral interaction and growth, marked by vibrant discussion on how to be
the church in a post Christian world.
Peace Lutheran – Fresno was established in 1959. Peace has a large and growing Hmong
ministry. Peace provides one worship service in English and one in Hmong. The congregation
has partnered with Thomas Elementary School to provide mentors and helpers to assist the
teachers. Thomas Elementary will be one of several outreach activities by which we will be able
to connect with our surrounding community.
Mt. Olive in Lindsey continues to be served by Deacon Scott Scheere.
Congregation History
Mount Olive Lutheran Church was founded as Lindsay Lutheran around 1944, meeting in a
member’s home. They constructed the current church building in 1948-1949 and it was
dedicated on June 6, 1949. The reason I am being obtuse about the details is the fact an accurate
church history does not exist, to my knowledge. The last pastor to serve us took church records
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we were not able to recover, and he is now deceased. When the name was changed to Mount
Olive Lutheran, I do not know. We currently are attempting to align all the known information
into an accurate church history.
Mount Olive is located in Lindsay, California, a small farming community (pop. 17,501
in 2012) located on the southeastern part of the San Joaquin Valley. Olives and oranges are the
major crops in the area and if you have ever seen “Lindsay Ripe” olives in your supermarket,
they used to be canned right here in Lindsay. When the plant closed, sold and relocated, a lot
changed for the community. The ethnicity of the “documented” population is now majority
Hispanic with the school population over 90% Hispanic in Tulare County, and particularly the
small communities such as Lindsay, there is a large “undocumented” population as well.
With that being said, the make-up of Lindsay did change when the olive plant closed.
The city does not offer much in the trades industries. There is a mobile home fabrication
company still in business. The local hospital closed. The city should be considered a “farmworker” community.
Mount Olive has a membership of approximately 80 including children, with a normal Sunday
service being around 25-40 people. I would say about 15% Hispanic. The residence of our
members is less than 10% from Lindsay itself. I personally live in Porterville, a larger city 14
miles south of Lindsay.
We are a very traditional style church with The Lutheran Hymnal and Lutheran Worship
the hymnals used. I am the spiritual leader of the church, a role I have played since our pastor
suddenly quit a few years ago. I am a licensed deacon in my office for Mount Olive. While our
congregation is debt free with funds in the bank, we are currently not able to afford a full time
pastor. Our funds would be exhausted within one year without significant growth. Our
congregation is also aged. Over half of the active membership is over sixty years old with most
being over seventy. The church grounds are beautiful thanks mostly to only one of our members.
He also serves as our lead property trustee. For anything physical to be done, we are
handicapped as 90% of the work done for the church is actually done by less than 10% of the
congregation.
Mission Statement – Mount Olive Lutheran Church
Learning – Listen to and reading the Word of God when any opportunity presents. Take in the
knowledge that Jesus Christ died for your sins and LOVES YOU!
Obeying - While we have all sinned and fall short of the Glory of God, we strive to better
ourselves in the eyes of our Lord and to obey his commandments.
Loving – Share the love and grace of God through Jesus Christ with those all around you. Be
Disciples of Christ in the here and now.
Plan Intention/Title
The Blue Print of Outreach. During the season of Epiphany, build on the seasonal resources
available to create “apprenticeships” (disciples) among our own congregation members.
Achieve this through coordinated bible studies, lectures, team building exercises alongside the
worship services, and lots of prayer. Establish a website and separate email addresses for
information coming in and going out. The desired results to be a calculated outreach to the
community with mass invitations extended to Lindsay and the surrounding communities to join
Mount Olive Lutheran for Easter Services.
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Plan Overview
The desired outcome is this: To spread the Word of God to the surrounding communities while
strengthening the congregation in their discipleship skills and personal relationships with God.
During this time of “discipleship training”, it will be a new approach for bible studies, outreach
ideas and efforts.
Plan Design
During the month of November, 2014, the website for Mount Olive Lutheran Church will be
completed with separate email addresses being set up for members of the outreach committee.
The idea being that the electronic outreach efforts will come from a “church” email address
verses a personal address.
Preparations would begin to make a mass marketing effort for outreach to the surrounding areas
utilizing handouts, e-mailings, website directions and congregational members themselves.
In February, we will begin preparations for an event that we already host each year. Cowboy
Sunday is held annually. This is where we bring in horses, wagons and buggies and literally
have a cowboy themed day. Following the services, fellowship is shared through BBQ and
living the cowboy life for the day with wagon rides and horse type events. Event will be held in
the back lawn/field area with the gazebo used for food/drink. The horseshoe pits will be open as
well as other games for the younger “cowboys”. Trail rides are taken through Lindsay which
presents as an excellent opportunity for outreach, including distribution of fliers, etc. As Cowboy
Sunday (March 1st or 8th, 2015) will fall in the Lenten Season, it stands to take advantage of the
situation.
Lenten Service will continue on each Sunday as well as Wednesday nights. Easter Sunday is
another opportunity to build on what is already a Mount Olive staple. Each year we hold an
Easter morning breakfast between the Sunrise Service and the traditional service. All
information placed in the fliers, website and e-mailings will include invitations to our regular
services, Lenten services and the Easter Day services and breakfast.
Conclusion
We will learn from the input of these evaluations and recorded visits or, God willing, new
members what outreach efforts are productive and which are not. We will learn that the Grace of
God cannot be held just for ourselves, that it is the calling of our Lord to share the Gospel, to
share the love that Christ has for all of us. And it is 100% freely given for “God so loved the
world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but
have everlasting life”.
Redeemer in Fresno has expanded their ministry by adding a 4th worship service to the residents
of Bethesda Lutheran Homes with average attendance of 30. A Contemporary worship service
has also been added at 11:00 a.m. serving both Anglo and Hispanic attendees. The 8 & 10 a.m.
services offer both “classical and blended” styles. Spiritual growth and fellowship needs are met
through small home bible study groups with bible studies being offered each quarter. Redeemer
tends to be a commuter congregation, drawing from the foothills to smaller cities surrounding
Fresno.
About 60% of the membership participates in either home Bible studies or other small groups
that provide service in the community such as “Habitat for Humanity”, quilting groups for the
rescue mission or “Get on the Bus, a prison ministry. Redeemer has completed their Education
and Community Center which is utilized for a worship service for the Bethesda communities.
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Redeemer has added a third contemporary service, as well as Wednesday evening family night ,
where about 50 to 60 people attend an evening meal, bible studies and Awana and confirmation
class for children. Redeemer has also partnered with Kratt elementary school and has a
community movie night that attracts Kratt families. The worship style is blended with four
services each Sunday, and is installing new Stained Glass windows in the sanctuary.
In 2013 Pastor Dan Hues was Called to be the Associate Pastor after his vicarage. At present,
Redeemer has another Vicar attending the Irvine Seminary. A new Community Center was
completed in 2013. The congregation is completing the forms necessary for an “Endowment
Fund”.
First in Dinuba under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Warren Jow has stabilized their
congregational ministry. So along with the conventional forms of ministry, as well as sending
Study Bibles to prison inmates upon request and a radio broadcast ministry, the path of ministry
has not always been calculated or coordinated or even with collaborations; but rather, a day-today, personal, often spontaneous yielding to the Holy Spirit’s promptings with whatever available
resources at the time to whatever need arises. What that invokes from the depths of one’s heart is
a sacrificial spirit such as Paul pleaded for from believers; yes, even of all Christians. (Romans
12:1) As such, ministry has taken on some uncharacteristic forms. Taking on power of attorney
over making payments on a debilitated member’s financial matters, housecleaning, grocery
shopping, running errands, driving to medical appointments, getting haircuts for that member’s
dependent relative, finding housing and healthcare services for, helping to move, loaning money
and not expecting it back, picking up the tab, acquiring and renovating homes in order to provide
affordable housing, providing furniture and appliances, chauffeuring kids to and from school daily,
providing them after school snacks during the renovation, going to their school events,
chauffeuring daily at all odd hours so a job could be had to support a family, providing
transportation for those who have none or for whom it is impractical, hosting hang time for youth
every Sunday afternoon at one’s home and providing a home-cooked meal thereafter, even cutting
toenails … Such non-traditional means present the opportunity to connect personally, and deeply.
While it has been its own reward to be enriched with these unique experiences, to anticipate more
-- is sublime! (Matthew 25:40)
As such, our continual hope and prayer is that the Holy Spirit would enable such fire to consume
each and every one in our family of faith; so too, to each and every household of faith.
St. Paul in Selma St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Selma, California is still singing to our Lord.
Organized in 1907, our congregation has been praising God and proclaiming Christ for over 107
years! One favorite hymn we sing is “Lift High the Cross” which is in our Lutheran Service
Book # 837. The Spanish words are “Alzad la Cruz” Our goal is to share the love of Christ in
words and actions.
In recent years, we have been reaching out to Selma and nearby communities which have a large
Hispanic population. For example, on Tuesday evenings we have our St. Paul Youth which is
growing and enabling us to reach into the extended families. We eat, study, play and sing
together! Membership and attendance is growing.
Improvements have been made for our buildings including painting and roof repair. Praise God,
we are receiving new members and lives are being blessed
by the Spirit. St. Paul is served by Pastor Mark Wikstrom and Deacon John Mertes. In the
words of St. Paul – Philippians 3, “we are not perfect, but we press on” in Christ!
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Our Saviour’s , Caruthers CA, has been involved in a lot of projects this last year in our
community. We do our best to reach out and help those in need, while proclaiming the Gospel of
Christ. And for a congregation as small as ours, I’ve been really impressed by what we have
already accomplished.
Senior Lunch Program - Every weekday, we are partnered with the Fresno Economic
Opportunities Commission and serve lunches to seniors here at our own facility. The director is
employed by the EOC, but is from the Caruthers community. Many of them take advantage of
one-on-one time with the pastor to talk about the issues they face in their lives.
Bethel Lutheran Home, Inc. – Our members have been active on the board of Bethel Lutheran
Home. We have supplied gifts for residents at Christmas, hosted in spring of one Bethel Birthday
Party for residents, and helped with chapel services for the residents.
Caruthers Community Café – Partnering with First Methodist Church in Caruthers, our
members have helped feed hot meals to the needy. Members from Our Saviour’s are there every
week. And about once a month, we supply the hot meal for families in need. Part of the
Community Café is a clothes closet for those in the community who need that kind of support as
well.
Sponsorship of a Seminary Student – We have helped a seminary student each year
financially, so that there are more workers in the field for the harvest.
“Shine for Jesus” Halloween Event – Each year for Halloween, we give out candy, hot cocoa,
and have fun things for the kids in the community out trick-or-treating, while sharing with then
Jesus.
Operation Christmas Child – Each November, our members gather toys and games and
toiletries to send in shoeboxes to people in need through this Franklin Graham ministry. Each
year our tiny congregation manages over 100 of these gift boxes so that children around the
world can both receive the gift of Jesus, and gifts from us as well.
Caruthers Community Aid – Another community charity that we support to provide
Thanksgiving & Christmas meals/gifts to local residents, based on need.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes – We host at our facility a monthly breakfast prepared and
served by congregation members and friends for the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes group
from the High School. During football season, the breakfasts are held every week. Some of the
students, at the end of the school year have listed these breakfasts as the highlight of their year.
Back to School Backpacks – We have helped purchase backpacks and supplies for our local
elementary students based on need information from our elementary school.
Abelskiver Breakfast - Each year, we invite the community as a whole to breakfast at our
church. Our ladies cook their famous abelskivers, and ask for door donations, the entire proceeds
of which go to a local charity.
Fair Booth - Each year, at the Caruthers Fair, our Church runs the ableskiver booth, which is the
oldest running food both at the fair. It is not only popular, it helps fund all the other projects our
Church does throughout the year. It is also an opportunity to help share Christ with not only the
community, but everyone in the area.
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CIRCUIT #16 – Rev. Stanley Abraham – Circuit Visitor
Monterey – Bethlehem Lutheran Church, The Rev. Bart Rall, pastor
In 2012, Pastor Mick Erikson resigned his call to Bethlehem Lutheran Church. The
congregation engaged two interim pastors, The Rev. Thomas Mueller and The Rev. Robert
Fickenscher, to lead them in the process of calling a pastor. In August of 2013, candidate
Bart Rall was ordained and installed as pastor. Over the years, the congregation has
experienced declining membership and attendance. That trend has changed and now the
congregation is averaging around 50-60 people on Sundays with some Sundays having
over 60 in worship. The congregation is in the process of finalizing details with a Korean
Methodist pastor for use of part of the facilities on Sunday afternoons and other mornings
and evenings throughout the week. A new group has started called Young-at-Heart
targeting younger adults, but including all who desire to join. The group aims to meet 1-2
times a month with a fun event and a servant event planned. There are a few permanent
residents in the process of becoming new members after doing some catechetical work with
Pastor Rall.
Salinas – Our Savior Lutheran Church, The Rev. Scott Klemsz, pastor
Under the theme, “Redeemed, Renewed, Made Alive in Christ,” Our Savior serves Salinas
and its surrounding communities. Our Savior continues to reach out to the community
through her preschool, specific outreach opportunities, and allowing local community
groups to use her parish hall and other facilities. On Transfiguration Sunday 2015, Our
Savior combined its two services into one unifying Divine Service at 9:30am. Our Savior
has also formed and funded The Lutheran Church of Our Savior Endowment through the
Synod’s foundation. The endowment income will be used to support specific areas of the
parish. By God’s Grace, Our Savior moves forward in proclaiming Christ to the Salinas
Valley and beyond.
Seaside – Faith Lutheran Church (currently without a called pastor)
In June of 2014, Pastor Ryan Tinetti accepted a call to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church
in Spokane, Washington. During his 3.5 years at Faith, the congregation received new
members, developed its education program, started a community garden, and undertook
the construction of a multipurpose building for its future educational needs. At the present
time, the pastoral vacancy is being served by The Rev. Don Schneider. The congregation
extended a call for a new pastor in February but at this time, the congregation remains
without a called pastor.
Santa Cruz – Messiah Lutheran Church, The Rev. Richard Rice, pastor
Messiah Lutheran is an active community of faith focused on reaching out with God’s love
with a caring servant heart. Messiah develops discipleship through two classes, “Welcome
to Messiah” and “Welcome to Faith Life.” The congregation is currently revitalizing its
Mission with the assistance of The Rev. Ted Hartman. This fine tuning of the mission,
strategy, and leadership structure is opening up opportunities in mission and ministry.
Outreach is occurring through the Family Ministry Program and Campus Ministry at
UCSC, both under the leadership of Director of Christian Education Inese Dahl. Messiah
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makes connections to the community through a county wide recognized preschool
program, a revamped VBS that is now a Summer Creative Arts Program and other
programs. Pastor Rice serves as a police chaplain for the Capitola Police Department and
is serving other police departments in the county. He also is involved in the Santa Cruz
County Volunteers Organizations Assisting in Disaster (VOAD).
Soquel – Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, The Rev. Stan Abraham, pastor
Pastor Abraham is in his 20th year as pastor of Mt. Calvary. The mission of
Mt.
Calvary is to “proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ through liturgical
worship that is open to
all and through socially responsible action in service
to the homeless, hungry, and poor”.
As a result of its mission to the
homeless, membership has increased slightly and those who
have joined have
brought a renewed spirit of enthusiasm to and for the congregation. The
worshipping community continues in the tradition of evangelical catholicism
with a
strong emphasis on sacramental life and rich hymnody. The
congregation has also begun a
process of faith formation called The Way, which initially began at Phinney Ridge Lutheran
Church in Seattle,
Washington.
Watsonville – Trinity Lutheran Church, The Rev. Stan Abraham, pastor; Juan
Vallejo, Vicar
Several years ago, Trinity Lutheran Church intentionally chose to move from an Anglo
parish to a Latino parish (Watsonville is 80% Latino). Following the resignation of Pastor
Renteria in 2011, the district has worked with the congregation to secure another Latino
pastor. In September, 2013, Juan Vallejo was placed at Trinity as its vicar under the
supervision of Pastor Abraham. Vicar Vallejo has worked hard to establish relationships
within the community. The Sunday worship attendance has increased to where at times
the Latino attendance is greater than the Anglo attendance. Vicar Vallejo has begun a
confirmation class, involved new members in worship roles, started a Bible class, all of
this while at the same time working to complete his seminary studies. He plans to be
ordained and called as pastor of Trinity in June, 2015.
CIRCUIT #18 – Rev. John C. Bestul – Circuit Visitor
Before it was known as the “Silicon Valley,” the Santa Clara Valley of California’s Bay Area was
known as the “Valley of the Heart’s Delight”—so named for the abundance therein of orchards
and flora. For decades in this valley, by the implanting of His life-giving Gospel and by sustenance
from the same, the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—has been raising to life and
nourishing souls—more precious than any flowering or fruit-bearing plant and more enduring than
anything the silicon chip ever could be used in constructing. The demographic representation of
the greater Santa Clara Valley is diverse in (1) ethnicity, (2) world view, and (3) economic
stratum—the spectrum of its residents knowing both poverty and affluence. Software engineer or
day-laborer from whichever continent or whatever walk of life, all share this need: Life through
Jesus Christ.
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The congregations of Circuit 18 (Santa Clara Circuit) thank God that in their midst—for such
life—there has been no famine of the Word (Am.8), that the higher Manna has fallen with gracious
regularity (cf. Ex.16), and that through the water He still saves (cf. Ex.14). These congregations
and significant happenings within Triennium 2012-2015 have been—
St. Mark Lutheran Church, Sunnyvale, CA: Saints assemble Sundays at 10 a.m. to hear God’s
Word read and preached, and to receive the Lord’s Supper. St. Mark has participated in several
congregation-wide endeavors designed as outreach to the surrounding community. These included
a nine-month-long Bible study: “The Story”—a program intended by St. Mark to reach all levels
from pre-school age through adult; “The Daniel Plan”—a holistic health and wellness program,
intended to improve exercise, wellness, and faith integration; and VBS—a program reaching 90100 children from the community (each July). Jubilant Grace leads contemporary worship on the
second and fourth Sundays of the month and traditional worship services are held on the first, third,
and fifth Sundays. (Pastor: Rev. Rodney Hall)
Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Cupertino, CA: Saints assemble Sundays at 8 and 11 a.m. to
hear God’s Word read and preached, and to receive the Lord’s Supper. December 2013 marked,
and the congregation would celebrate, the 30th year that the Rev. Dennis Bestul and the people of
Lutheran Church of Our Savior have been joined as pastor and people. (Pastors: Rev. Dennis
Bestul, Rev. John Bestul)
Resurrection Lutheran Church, Santa Clara, CA: Saints assemble Sundays at 10 a.m. to hear
God’s Word read and preached, and to receive the Lord’s Supper. Resurrection Lutheran has
increased its presence in its community, now sharing space for Square Dancing and hosting a
Chess class/club. Its presence in the world has been expanded through a Facebook page and via
Youtube. The congregation has experienced a 10% increase in attendance during this time, mainly
from a 20-something demographic seeking "traditional" worship. All this work is done humbly
seeking only that God use His members to fulfill His purpose in this corner of His vast Kingdom.
(Pastor: Rev. William Schultz)
Trinity Lutheran Church, San Jose, CA: Saints assemble Sundays at 9 a.m. to hear God’s Word
read and preached, and to receive the Lord’s Supper. In September 2012 Trinity Lutheran
celebrated the installation of the Rev. Matthew Thompson. (Pastor: Rev. Matthew Thompson)
First Immanuel Lutheran Church, San Jose, CA: Saints assemble Sundays at 9 and 11:15 a.m.
to hear God’s Word read and preached, and to receive the Lord’s Supper. First Immanuel Lutheran
Church (FILC), also known as Primera Iglesia Luterana Emanuel (PILE), with the ‘retirement’ of
the Rev. Enrique Vallejo, now has a sole pastor, the Rev. Isaac Simon Schuller. Pastor Schuller
leads worship, Bible study and communion classes in both English and Spanish. The
congregation’s theme is currently "Proclaiming Christ to the nations/Proclamando Cristo a las
naciones." As they were blessed through the service rendered by Pastor Vallejo, the members of
the congregation also state that they are blessed to have Pastor Schuller. FILC/PILE looks forward
to seeing how it can continue to testify to the light of the world in downtown San Jose. (Pastor:
Rev. Isaac Schuller)
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Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, San Jose, CA: Saints assemble Sundays at 8:30 and
11 a.m. to hear God’s Word read and preached, and to receive the Lord’s Supper. (Pastor: Rev.
Robert Weller)
Christ the Life Lutheran Church, San Jose, CA: Saints assemble Sundays at 10 a.m. to hear
God’s Word read and preached, and to receive the Lord’s Supper. In November 2014 the
congregation began a pastoral vacancy when the Rev. Brandon Merrick was called to serve another
congregation.
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Los Gatos, CA: Saints assemble Sundays at 8:30 and 10:45 a.m.
to hear God’s Word read and preached, and to receive the Lord’s Supper. Holy Cross Lutheran
Church and Children’s Center has had an active three years—in mission, ministry and stewardship.
In recent years, 58 new souls joined the church family. Additionally, through its “Renew, Refresh,
and Reach Out” campaign, the congregation was enabled to fund needed repairs and improvements
to its ministry facilities. Holy Cross’ Children’s Center (a city-decorated program) serves 155
children. The congregation also partners with local agencies to extend mercy through
humanitarian, substance-addiction, and pregnancy programs and through aid for the homeless and
needy. Holy Cross coordinated mission trips to the Mexican border, and internationally to
Kyrgyzstan, China, Taiwan, Tanzania, Vietnam and the Czech Republic. (Pastor: Rev. Scott
Perry)
Mount Olive Ministries, Milpitas, CA: Saints assemble Sundays at 8 and 10:30 a.m. to hear
God’s Word read and preached, and to receive the Lord’s Supper. In February, 2013, Mount Olive
celebrated the installation of Pastor John Huss as Senior Pastor and welcomed his family—wife
Paula (a Bay Area native) and three children. Paula introduced a fitness ministry, Body & Soul,
to the Mount Olive community and it is thriving. Other ministries of Mount Olive have continued
through the leadership of other staff and volunteers and bless congregation and community.
(Pastor: Rev. John Huss)
(Christ Our King Lutheran Church, Morgan Hill, CA: Since its establishment in 2000, for
over 12 years the Holy Spirit called together men, women, and children of the Morgan Hill/San
Martin/Gilroy, California, region around His Word and Sacraments—Word and Sacrament most
recently preached and administered by the Rev. Martin Tyler. In the spring of 2013, Christ Our
King Lutheran Church disbanded.)
(*Listed service times don’t reflect summer worship schedules.)
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. John Bestul
CIRCUIT #19 -- Rev. John-Paul Meyer – Circuit Visitor
All the congregations of Circuit #19 have pastoral care without a pastoral vacancy. Mount Olive
Lutheran Church in Folsom ordained and installed candidate Ryan Hochgrebe in 2013 and Grace
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Lutheran Grass Valley installed Pastor Kent Schaaf from All Saints Lutheran Church in
Charlotte, North Carolina in 2014.
Trinity Lutheran Church Georgetown is served by a retired pastor, Darrill Sandberg. Immanuel
Lutheran Church Jackson and Foothill Evangelical Lutheran Valley Springs is also served by a
retired pastor Eugene Davidenas. Cool Lutheran Church a mission is served by Kurt Degner.
After serving as the interim pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Grass Valley intentional visits
were made to Mount Olive Folsom, Light of the Hills Cameron Park, First Lutheran Church
Placerville, Holy Cross Lutheran Church Rocklin, and Grace Lutheran Grass Valley. There were
opportunities to serve as supply preacher at other congregations. Though that helps establish
relationships with the members, it is not part of a circuit visitor visit.
Circuit #19 has great diversity in divine service settings and style. However, this diversity retains
the Council of Presidents minimum in the 2013 Circuit Visitors’ Manual LCMS for WHAT IS
“BASIC” IN LUTHERAN WORSHIP on page 75.
The congregations still show great confusion about what is the communion practice within our
synod. In the printed statements in the worship folders, on visitor cards, or made by the pastor
before distribution the congregations struggle to understand what the LCMS means by its
resolutions and what Luther’s Small Catechism teaches.
CIRCUIT #20 – Rev. Alan Hilton – Circuit Visitor
River of Life Lutheran Church, Dayton, NV
ROL remains devastated by the recession, losing most of the working members. Membership fell
from a high of 97 in 2007 to 25 today. ROL was forced to leave a rented facility on Highway 50
in November 2008 and worshipped in the homes until April 2011 when the commercial rental
rates came down enough to be able to afford to get back into the public with a facility on
Highway 50. Although there has been some recovery in Lyon County in Yerington and Fernley,
still the Highway 50 corridor of Dayton-Stagecoach-Silver Springs remains with very high
unemployment. Dayton is a bedroom community for those with the lower paying jobs in Carson,
Reno, Sparks, Carson Valley and Tahoe.
Rev. Everett Garwood, pastor
Faith Lutheran Church, Yerington, NV
Although also in Lyon County, FLC is quite the opposite of Dayton. Yerington is the county seat
and has many related jobs, and also has a very solid agricultural base. There is a copper mine just
opened south of Yerington that may offer hundreds of jobs. Yerington is a town with a distinct
personality and vitality. Over the past 7 years growth at Faith has been steady from 15-20 in
worship to 50 today. Even though there was a new member class of 9 in 2014 there have been a
number of funerals the past few years as the average age is high making it hard to gain in overall
attendance. They have a weekday after school children’s church and a youth ministry that
outreaches to the school children of Yerington. The leadership is strong and outlook is bright.
They are now in their second year of Rebecca’s Garden of Hope Mentoring ministry averaging
about 15 students on Wednesday afternoons.
Rev. Everett Garwood, pastor
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Bethany Lutheran Church, Hawthorne, NV
Bethany is in Mineral County Nevada. There is little mining or agriculture base. The economy of
Hawthorne has depended for years on the military bases there, now essentially closed, and the
main activity is disassembling bombs and artillery. As expected, therefore, a once thriving town
is dwindling away to a gas/meal/motel stop in the high desert for travelers on Route 95 from Las
Vegas north. The church was built in 1952 by Army and Navy guys, and for years it was full on
Sundays. Today the average attendance is about 18-20. Those that come are pretty steady but the
outlook for growth is not bright. They are served by a lay leader (currently enrolled in the NW
District deacon program) on three Sundays and supervised by an ordained pastor for communion
Saturday once a month and for baptisms, weddings, funerals and confirmation. A possible bright
spot for the community is an organic chicken ranch that “might” make it. If it performs like they
hope it will provide many jobs, or they may go broke.
Rev. Everett Garwood, supervising pastor.
St. Mark, Elko
St. Mark has been vacant since July 20, 2014 when Pastor Chuck Hoffman accepted the call from
the International Lutheran Church in Seoul, South Korea. The elders have been responsible for
conducting lay-services and a licensed Deacon has assisted on Communion Sundays. The elders
have also been conducting lay-services in Wells twice a month with 5-8 in attendance. In addition
to lay services the elders conduct catechism classes for junior high students. Recently Pastor Lance
Jennings (retired) has served St. Mark and Wells on communion Sundays and has agreed to serve
as the vacancy pastor through June of 2015. Attendance has remained steady (approximately 100)
but the giving has dropped during the vacancy. The Pre-school remains as a primary outreach
ministry at St. Mark and the high school youth group continues as well.
St. John’s, Fallon
St. John’s continues with Jesus’ mission – “To seek and save the lost.” We accomplish this by
sharing the Love of Christ in Word and Sacrament in corporate worship services and Bible study.
We reach with the love of Christ by going into the community with the Word (Friday morning
Bible studies at the long-term care facility of Highland Manor) And in partnership with Care Net
(Fallon crisis pregnancy center) by offering a tutoring and mentoring ministry (Rebecca’s Garden
of Hope) for high school mothers still enrolled at Churchill County High School. Scholarships are
available from St. John’s Room to Grow Childcare Center for infants and toddlers while teen-age
mothers are taking high school classes. Care Net also uses St. John’s for a number of faith-based
counseling services for high school students such as Sexual Integrity Initiative classes and
fatherhood classes.
In addition, a Good News Club is offered on Fridays at St. John’s for the school-age children (K6) of Room to Grow in conjunction with the Child Evangelism Fellowship of Fallon. To
accomplish our mission and be good stewards of God’s gifts, St. John’s adopted a narrative budget
for 2015. Prior to funding each item, the question was asked: “Will what we do make a difference
according to the Great Commission?” New items for 2015 include a line item for the Rebecca’s
Garden of Hope scholarships for childcare and a line item for support of the Chester /Greenville
mission restart.
Rev. Alan R. Hilton.
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Zion Lutheran Church of Winnemucca and her sister congregation Christ Lutheran
Church of Battle Mountain
continue to receive the food of eternal life in the Divine Service each Sunday and other
additional occasions served by Rev. Mark Kliewer, and they continue to proclaim the name of
the Lord through Preschool classes at each location (~100 students at Zion and ~55 at Christ) and
through full day Childcare at Zion, a separate program and location. Some members come from
their homes for the Divine Service over 100 miles one way, one member family residing just
across the state line in Oregon. Catechism classes at Zion, grade 1-8, are each Tuesday
following school hours. Zion has an after school program for older youth that is currently on
hiatus due to a waiting remodel of the building planned for this work. Zion also has started a
Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) program this School year. Space for all these activities is the
biggest hurdle at Zion. The Preschool at Christ Lutheran continues to be a major influence in the
community of Battle Mountain. The community of Battle Mountain supports their annual
fundraiser beyond expectations each year, raising a significant percentage of the annual budget
of the Preschool. Both Zion and CLC are able to offer many scholarships for those families that
cannot afford the tuition. The community of Winnemucca also supports Zion’s Preschool
Fundraiser for the purpose of providing Preschool scholarships. Thanks be to God for His grace
and kindness in raising up these community of believers in Northern Nevada, still the largest
Gold Mining area in North America.
Page 93
Nominations For District Offices
FOR PRESIDENT
"The Secretary of the District shall tabulate nominations and report the names of all clergy
receiving three or more nominations in the Convention Manual." (District Bylaw VI.C.d)
Rev. Dr. Robert Newton - 21
Rev. Dr. Thomas Zelt - 3
FOR FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Candidates for First Vice President shall be obtained by way
nominating ballots from the floor of the Convention. (Dist. Bylaw VI.F.2.a,b)
FOR CIRCUIT VISITOR
To be ratified by the Convention
In keeping with Synod Bylaw 5.2.2 concerning Election of Circuit Visitors, the following have
been duly elected by their respective Circuit Forums to serve for the 2015 -18 Triennium.
Certificates of election are on file with the District Secretary.
Bylaw 5.2.2.g -- The convention shall have the right to alter the slate by amendment.
Bylaw 5.2.2.h -- The convention shall then ratify the slate of Circuit Visitors, which ratification
shall constitute election.
Circuit # 1
Rev. Terrence Chan
Circuit #11
Rev. Milton Fricke
Circuit #2
Rev. David Sauer
Circuit #12
Rev. James Cavener
Circuit #3
Rev. Daniel Deuel
Circuit #13
Rev. James Kabel
Circuit #4
Rev. Henry Scherer
Circuit #14
Rev. James Beyer
Circuit #5
Rev. Daniel Schlensker
Circuit #15
Rev. Michael Hall
Circuit #6
Rev. Ted Zimmerman
Circuit #16
Rev. Stanley Abraham
Circuit #7
Rev. Peter Woodward
Circuit #17
Circuit #8
Rev. Stewart Crown
Circuit #18
Rev. John Bestul
Circuit #9
Rev. Mark Whittaker
Circuit #19
Rev. John – Paul Meyer
Circuit #10
Rev. Jon Oetting
Circuit #20
Rev. Alan Hilton
Page 94
SECRETARY (Elect one pastor)
Rev. James Beyer - St. Mark- Santa Rosa, CA
Rev. Bill Carney - Our Redeemer, Honolulu, HI
Rev. John M. Standley - Rancho Cordova, CA
TREASURER (Elect one layperson)
Donna Herzog, Redwood City, CA
FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
CALIFORNIA-NEVADA- HAWAII DISTRICT- LC-MS
REGIONAL VICE-PRESIDENTS
The regions shall caucus to nominate their regional vice-president's. In the regional caucus, the
teller committee will facilitate the nomination of the regional vice-president according to the
process used for nomination of the first vice-president. (Dist. Bylaw V.I.F.3.b)
REGIONAL LAY DIRECTORS (Elect one per Regional Caucus)
Regional Director-North
Regional Director-Hawaii
Cathleen Jones – Santa Rosa (14)
Richard Parker – Santa Rosa (14)
Armand Vattuone – Sacramento (4)
Deane (Dinnie) Kysar - Hilo, HI (11)
Regional Director-Pacific
Carol Hack Broome - San Jose (18)
James Hillmann - Sunnyvale (18)
Terence Lung – Cupertino (18)
Regional Director – Nevada
Thomas Brannan – Battle Mountain (20)
Jeffery Davey – Carson City (10)
Regional Director-Southern
Freddi Condos - Fresno (15)
Douglas Richardson – Fresno (15)
Page 95
COMMISSIONED MINISTER (Elect one)
Patrice Appold - Bakersfield, CA
Donna Laughlin - San Francisco
Mike Mancini - Redwood City, CA
DISTRICT NOMINATING COMMITTEE (Elect one pastor, one layperson, one
commissioned minister)
Pastors
Layperson
Rev. Jason Bredeson - Sacramento, CA
Carol Hack Broome - San Jose, CA
Rev. Aaron Smith - Mountain View, CA
Cheryl Hamil - Cupertino, CA
Commissioned Minister
Marcia Houseworth - Fremont, CA
Patrice Appold - Bakersfield, CA
Donna Laughlin - San Francisco, CA
DISTRICT CHURCH EXTENSION FUND BOARD OF DIRECTORS (Elect three )
Rev. Robert Fickenscher - Fair Oaks CA
Kaylene Mortensen – Merced, CA
Richard Schultz
– Rocklin,
Richard
Schultz,
RocklinCA
CA
2016 SYNODICAL NOMINATING COMMITTEE ( Elect one )
Richard Fielitz Jr. - Rocklin, CA
Terence Lung - Cupertino CA
Page 96
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
CNH Convention 2015
Lay Regional Director – North (A)
Cathleen Jones (Circuit 14)
St. Mark, Santa Rosa, CA
Occupation: Electrical AD Designer
Congregational Offices: Congregational Secretary, Evangelism & Public Relations
District Offices: Congregational Youth delegate (’70’s)
Richard Parker (Circuit 14)
Occupation: Retired
Congregational Offices: President Trinity, San Rafael; President, St. John, Petaluma; elder
District Offices: 2013 Synodical Convention delegate
Armand Vattuone (Circuit 4)
Trinity, Sacramento, CA
Occupation: Sales
Congregational Offices: President
District Offices: Regional Lay Director
Lay Regional Director – Pacific (B)
Carol Hack Broome (Circuit 18)
Shepherd of the Valley, San Jose, CA
Occupation: Financial Associate, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans; stay at home mom; hardware
engineer for IBM
Congregational Offices: Chair of Stewardship Board; Chair of Board of Education; Church
Council; Sunday School; Chair Evangelism Board; Board member of Community Outreach
Ministry Endeavor (COME)
Jim Hillmann (Circuit 18)
St. Mark, Sunnyvale CA
Occupation: IT Manager
Congregational Office: Stewardship Chairman; Head Elder; Vice Chair of Congregation;
Congregation President
District Offices: None
Terence Lung (Circuit 18)
Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Cupertino CA
Occupation: Mechanical Engineer
Congregational Office: Secretary, Chair Board of Evangelism; Chiar Board of Outreach &
Fellowship
Page 97
Lay Regional Director – Southern (C)
Freddi Condos (Circuit 15)
Redeemer, Fresno, CA
Occupation: Retired
Congregational Offices: Chair Evangelism Committee; Education Board; Choir Director
Douglas Richardson (Circuit 15)
Immanuel, Fresno, CA
Occupation: Deputy Sheriff
Congregational Offices: President; Treasurer
Lay Regional Director – Hawaii
Deane (Dinnie) Kysar
Christ, Hilo, HI
Occupation: Retired financial analyst
Congregational Offices: Council Secretary
District Offices: Regional Lay Director
Lay Regional Director – Nevada
Thomas Brannan (Circuit 20)
Christ, Battle Mountain, NV
Occupation: Retired School Principal; former Thrivent Financial Representative
Congregational Offices: Sunday School teacher; Elder; President
Jeffrey Davey (Circuit 10)
Bethlehem, Carson City, NV
Occupation: Chief Information Officer (GE)
Congregational Offices: Elder; Vice President
District Treasurer
Donna Herzog
Redeemer, Redwood City, CA
Occupation: Retired
Congregational Offices: Secretary; Treasurer; Church Council; Board of Stewardship; Board of
Fellowship (Trinity, Burlingame, CA)
District Offices: CNH District Treasurer
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District Secretary
Rev. James Beyer
Occupation: Pastor
District Offices: Regional Vice President; Circuit Visitor
Congregations served: St. Mark, Santa Rosa, CA
Districts served: Indiana; CNH
Rev. Bill Carney
Our Redeemer, Honolulu, HI
Occupation: Pastor
District Offices: Circuit Counselor; Lutheran High School Boards; Pastor Conference
Committees; Pastoral Representative to Synodical Conventions; Synodical Reconciler and
Hearing Facilitator
Congregations served: St. John’s, Britton SD; St. Paul’s Amityville, NY; Mount Olive,
Lockport, NY; Hope, Levittown, PA
Districts served: South Dakota; Eastern; Atlantic; CNH
Rev. John Standley
Cordova, Rancho Cordova CA
Occupation: Pastor
District Offices: District Secretary, Treasurer/Facilitator Fall Pastoral Conference, Circuit 4/19
Chairman, PALS Facilitator, St. Louis Seminary Alumni Representative, Synod Convention
Delegate, Board of Directors-Sacramento Lutheran High School
Congregations served: Cordova, Rancho Cordova CA
Districts served: CNH
Board of Directors – Commissioned Minister
Patrice Appold
St. John, Bakersfield, CA
Occupation: Teacher and Principal St. John, Bakersfield CA
Congregational Offices: Many committees – Women’s ministry; Singles ministry; Board of
Education; Children’s Ministry; Mission Task Force
District Offices: Student Aid & Recruitment Committee; Revitalization teams
Donna Laughlin
Zion, San Francisco, CA
Occupation: Principal, Zion, San Francisco
Congregational Offices: CNH district Accreditation commissioner
Mike Mancini
Redeemer, Redwood City, CA
Occupation: Principal/Teacher, Redeemer, Redwood City, CA
Congregational Office: Member Board of Directors; Worship; Nominating Committee
District Offices: CNH-Parochial Schools Committee
Page 99
2018 District Nominating Committee
Patrice Appold (Commissioned Minister)
St. John, Bakersfield, CA
Occupation: Teacher and Principal St. John, Bakersfield CA
Congregational Offices: Many committees – Women’s ministry; Singles ministry; Board of
Education; Children’s Ministry; Mission Task Force
District Offices: Student Aid & Recruitment Committee; Revitalization teams
Rev. Jason Bredeson
Trinity, Sacramento, CA
Occupation: Pastor
District Offices: Circuit President (Circuits 4 & 19); CNH District Nominating Committee
Congregations served: Trinity, Sacramento, CA; Redeemer Lutheran Church & School,
Pensacola, FL; LCMS World Mission – Ministry to the Armed Forces (USAF Reserve Chaplain,
currently serving).
Districts served: California-Nevada-Hawaii; Southern; LCMS World Mission - MAF
Carol Hack Broome (Lay person)
Shepherd of the Valley, San Jose, CA
Occupation: Financial Associate, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans; stay at home mom; hardware
engineer for IBM
Congregational Offices: Chair of Stewardship Board; Chair of Board of Education; Church
Council; Sunday School; Chair Evangelism Board; Board member of Community Outreach
Ministry Endeavor (COME)
Cheryl Hamil (Lay person)
Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Cupertino, CA
Occupation: Administrative Coordinator
Congregational Offices: Missions Liaison; Thrivent Congregational Rep; Sunday School
Teacher; Choir Director; Organist
District Offices: Minnesota North District President
Marcia Houseworth (Lay person)
Prince of Peace, Fremont, CA
Occupation: Retired teacher/administrator
Congregational Offices: Stewardship
District Offices: CNH District Nominating Committee Chair; CNH District Student Aid
Committee CNH LWML Parliamentarian; CNH LWMLVice President Christian Life; CNH
LWML President
Donna Laughlin (Commissioned Minister)
Zion, San Francisco, CA
Occupation: Principal, Zion, San Francisco
Congregational Offices: CNH district Accreditation commissioner
Page 100
Rev. Aaron Smith
St. Paul, Mountain View, CA
Occupation: Pastor
District Offices: LWML District Pastoral Counselor; Hispanic Ministry Council
Congregations served: St. Paul, Mountain View, CA
Districts served: CNH
Church Extension Fund Representative
Rev. Robert Fickenscher
Faith, Fair Oaks CA
Occupation: Pastor
District Offices: former Chairman CEF Board; First Vice President, Regional Vice President;
Circuit Counselor, Youth Board Chairman, Synod Board Youth
Congregations served: Faith, Corsicana TX, Grace, Novato CA, St. Andrews, Stockton CA
Districts served: Texas; CNH
Kaylene Mortensen
St. Paul, Merced, CA
Occupation: Retired High School Administrator
Congregational Offices: Financial Secretary; Thrivent Merced Mariposa President of chapters
Richard Schultz
Holy Cross, Rocklin CA
Occupation: Retired from County of Sacramento
Congregational Offices: Coordinator of Stewardship; Treasurer
District Offices: CNH District Church Extension Fund Board member
2016 Synodical Nominating Committee
Richard Fielitz Jr.
Holy Cross, Rocklin, CA
Occupation: Retired
Congregational Offices: Administrator; Head Elder; Elder; Education Coordinator; Youth
Board; Youth Counselor; President
Terence Lung
Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Cupertino CA
Occupation: Mechanical Engineer
Congregational Office: Secretary, Chair Board of Evangelism; Chiar Board of Outreach &
Fellowship
District Offices: District Nominations Committee, 2009-2012 & 2012-2015
Page 101
OVERTURES
Overture 1: TO RECONSIDER CCM OPINION ON BYLAW 3.8.3
(Committee #1)
WHEREAS, the congregations of Circuit 9 find the opinion of the CCM on Bylaw 3.8.3,
regarding the Synod as the “Only Sending Agency” (Opinion 14-2724), to be
problematic in support for mission work; be it
RESOLVED, that the California-Nevada-Hawaii District in convention ask the Synod to
reconsider the ruling.
(Submitted by Circuit 9, Central Coast Forum)
Overture 2: TO RENEW THE TERM OF THE CNH DISTRICT
DISABILITY MINISTRY TASK FORCE (DMTF) FOR A 3
YEAR TERM
(Committee #3)
WHEREAS, Our Lord ministered to the needs of all people and asks His followers to emulate
His example; and
WHEREAS,
“All people” includes individuals with disabilities (currently about 16 percent of
the total population) which significantly limit major life activities; and
WHEREAS, People with disabilities are often faced with physical and attitudinal barriers to
full participation in worship, education, fellowship and service activities, with
many church members having difficulty in accepting people with disabilities,
identifying their needs, and providing ways to welcome them into their
congregations; and
WHEREAS, The removal of such barriers significantly enhances the spiritual, emotional and
psychological life of people with disabilities, and is a sign of Christian hospitality
to all; and
WHEREAS, Many people without disabilities will experience the reality of disabilities,
particularly in a church body that is aging such as the LCMS, as a result of illness,
accident or aging; and
WHEREAS, People with disabilities are able to make positive contributions to the life of a
parish; therefore, the CNH District at its 2012 convention passed a resolution
Page 102
establishing the California-Nevada-Hawaii District Disability Task Force
(DMTF) for an initial 3-year term and, thereafter, through convention resolution,
be considered for renewal of a 3-year term at every convention; and
WHEREAS, the CNH District Disability Ministry Task Force (DMTF) has been raising
awareness, providing resources and encouraging churches throughout the district
to embrace disability ministry as part of the mission and ministry of the church;
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the CNH District 2015 convention renew the mandate of the CNH District
Disability Ministry Task Force (DMTF) for a 3-year term, 2015-2018.
(Submitted by Bethesda Lutheran Communities)
Overture 3: TO ENCOURAGE CONGREGATIONS AND MINISTRIES TO
USE THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE THROUGH CIRCUIT
VISITORS AND Tri-LERT
(Committee 3)
WHEREAS,
a disaster can be anything which causes human suffering or creates human needs
which its victims are unable to alleviate through their own power and may
include:
and
WHEREAS, a disaster cycle includes four phases (occurring in differing orders depending on
the disaster or its severity):
1.
2.
3.
4.
preparation – development of plans, training personnel, testing plans
response – immediate assistance to save lives, reduce suffering and assess
damage
long term recovery – response moves into recovery as some normalcy
returns
mitigation – effects of potential disaster are reduced
and
Page 103
WHEREAS, the Circuit Visitors received introductory training in disaster preparedness in early
September, 2014, in order for them to be a resource as part of our District Disaster
Response Strategy, and
WHEREAS, Tri-LERT (Tri-Lutheran Emergency Response Team) was created to coordinate
disaster response efforts among the CNH District and the Sierra Pacific Synod
along with Lutheran Social Services of Northern California; and
WHEREAS, disasters, no matter what their source of origin, are present day manifestations of
the brokenness of creation since the fall of our parents, Adam and Eve; and
WHEREAS, our Lord, Jesus Christ in Matthew 25 calls us to be instruments through which
God brings His mercy to bear in the world today, THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, that the CNH in convention encourage its congregations and ministries to each
establish a disaster response team; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, that each congregation and ministry be encouraged to provide training for their
disaster response team; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, that said team be encouraged to develop a disaster plan for said congregation or
ministry; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, that said team be encouraged to build linkages with local law enforcement,
amateur radio emergency service (ARES) groups, and other mercy ministry
entities within their community; AND BE IT FINALLY
RESOLVED, that said team be encouraged to build linkages with their Circuit Visitors and the
Conference Deans in their area so as to be able to coordinate with each other
when a disaster does occur.
(Submitted by the Human Care Committee)
USE THE SYNOD PREPARED MANUALS TITLED "MERCY
IN ACTION"
(Committee 3)
WHEREAS, the Synod's Office of Disaster Response has revised previous disaster manuals
into a three volume, bound set; and
WHEREAS, these volumes consist of "A Guide for Pastors in the Midst of Disaster," "A Guide
for Educators in the Midst of Disaster," and a "Lutheran Early Response Team
(LERT) Training Manual, THEREFORE BE IT
Page 104
RESOLVED, that the congregations of the CNH District be encouraged to obtain copies of
these manuals from LCMS Disaster Response
(http://www.lcms.org/disaster/resources or by calling 800-248-1930 and asking
for the Disaster Response office) ; AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, that the congregations of CNH District contact our District Disaster Response
Coordinator (DDRC), the Rev. Philip W. Zabell ([email protected], 530-9346863) should they desire additional assistance; AND BE IT FINALLY
RESOLVED, that the congregations use said resources to prepare for times of disaster in their
communities.
PARTICIPATE IN THE GREAT CALIFORNIA, NEVADA,
AND HAWAII SHAKEOUT, OCTOBER 15, 2015
(Committee 3)
WHEREAS, the ShakeOut began in California in 2008 as an effort by scientists and emergency
managers to inform the public about earthquake preparedness; and
WHEREAS, it has also now been organized in many other states and countries; and
WHEREAS, it is designed to train participants in practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On and
other aspects of family, school, and workplace emergency planning,
THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, that each congregation and ministry be encouraged to enroll on
http://www.shakeout.org/ and hold disaster preparedness exercise events to test
their plan; AND BE IT FINALLY
RESOLVED, that this date be used to gather resources from that and other disaster preparedness
sites in the further development of the congregation's disaster plan.
Page 105
Overture 6: TO ENCOURAGE THE DISTRICT TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE
OF SENIOR HOUSING AND ENCOUARAGE
CONGREGATION STO DEVELOP SOLUTIONS IN THEIR
COMMUNITIES
(Committee 3)
WHEREAS, the U.S. Census Bureau (http://www.census.gov/) reports in a document titled,
Aging in the United States: Past, Present, Future
(http://www.census.gov/population/international/files/
97agewc.pdf) that the age 65 and older population is just over 15% of the total
U.S. population today as compared to 13% of the total population back in 1990.
By 2050 this segment of the population is projected to be over 20%.(Many rural
communities are approaching that percentage already today.); and
WHEREAS, Older people often are unable to continue to live in the houses which have been
home for many years; and
WHEREAS, many seniors would prefer to stay in the communities which have been their
home for significant periods of time rather than having to re-locate to a totally
new community; and
WHEREAS, many of our congregations are increasingly made up of a membership
significantly from this population segment, THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, that the District develop a plan for addressing this issue; AND BE IT FINALLY
RESOLVED, that the congregations of District be encouraged to review the demographics of
their local communities and develop task forces to meet the senior housing needs
which are present.
MAKE USE OF THE "SENIORS IN TRANSITION"
RESOURCE
(Committee 3)
WHEREAS, at a recent seminar developed by the CNH Human Care Committee a resource
was presented titled, "Seniors in Transition; and
Page 106
WHEREAS, this resource provides a strategy for offering a supportive environment for seniors
where they can explore options for independent living and alternatives when
living on your own is no longer safe or desireable; and
WHEREAS, the Seniors in Transition program is a small group ministry that provides a forum
where seniors can explore options for life transitions in an 8 week, 2 hour
gathering, THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, that the CNH in convention encourage its congregations to learn how to use this
resource and then implement a plan for making it available to the people within
their ministry area.
Overture 8: TO PROVIDE STAFF AND MATERIAL RESOURCES IN
SUPPORT OF RURAL MINISTRY
(Committee 3)
WHEREAS, the District in Convention in 2012 recognized that many of the District's
congregations are located in rural rather than metropolitan areas; and
WHEREAS, District staff was assigned to address the issue of rural ministry being distinctively
different from suburban and metropolitan ministry,
WHEREAS, the issues facing rural congregations have not disappeared during the intervening
3 years, THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, that the CNH in convention continue to affirm the ministry being accomplished
by our rural congregations, AND BE IT FINALLY
RESOLVED, that District staff be directed to allocate sufficient time and energy to the end of
identifying and promoting resources for rural ministry including helping clusters
of rural congregations explore ways of engaging in collaborative ministry for their
area.
Page 107
Overture 9: Affirming and Strengthening the Work of the Mission Agency
(Committee #1)
WHEREAS, the 69th convention urged a stronger emphasis on mission work in the CNH
District.
WHEREAS, the CNH BOD in partnership with the District President created the CNH mission
agency.
WHEREAS, financial resources of $500,000 of Board designated funds, 15% of operating
budget, and 2/3 of all sales of property and incoming undesignated bequests were
set aside for the mission agency’s operation.
WHEREAS, a new staff position was created to coordinate Mission Awareness and Expansion.
WHEREAS, $132,000 between January of 2013 and February of 2015 has been
raised for the Mission Agency ytd with minimal effort.
WHEREAS, God has blessed this work by allowing for three functioning church plants in this
past triennium, six new faith communities or church planting ministries officially
in the incubation stage, and two intentional mission revitalization congregations.
WHEREAS, significant lay mission leadership and enthusiasm was exhibited at both our first
Missions Conference and the 2015 CNH Missions Summit.
RESOLVED, that the CNH District in convention Thank God for all he has done through the
catalyzing efforts of its Mission Agency and especially through God’s people in
the CNH District.
RESOLVED, that the CNH Board of Directors and the District President be urged to examine
ways in which the Mission Agency and its work might be strengthened ensuring
that it has the necessary authority and permanence in our structure to carry out its
ministry.
RESOLVED, that an even greater emphasis on missionary education be instituted by the CNH
District and through its Mission Agency. And be it finally
RESOLVED, that the people of the CNH District prayerfully, and creatively pursue support of
the Mission Agency by way of financial and personnel resources.
(Submitted By the CNH District Board of Directors)
Page 108
Overture 10: To Realign Congregations in Circuits #6 and #17
(Committee #4)
WHEREAS, Congregations in Circuit #6 (North Bay) have requested the opportunity to align
with circuits made up of congregations closer in proximity and more similar in
ministry contexts: Trinity and Resurrection Lutheran Churches, San Rafael and
Peace Lutheran Church, Mill Valley have requested permission to join Circuit #1
(San Francisco); St. John, Napa and Faith, Sonoma have requested permission to
join Circuit #14 (Redwood Empire); and Bethany, Vacaville as requested
permission to join Circuit #4 (West Sacramento), and
WHEREAS, Circuit #17 East Shore no longer meets the requirements of an electoral circuit
either in number of congregations (seven) or aggregate communicant membership
(>1,500), be it
RESOLVED, that the congregations of Circuit 6, North Bay be granted permission to realign
with the circuits as named above, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the one remaining congregation in Circuit #6 (North Bay) Trinity Lutheran
Church, Fairfield realign with the Circuit #7 (Mt. Diablo), and be it further
RESOLVED, that the congregations of Circuit 17, East Shore be realigned with either Circuit #2
(Concordia) or Circuit #7 (Mt. Diablo), and be it finally
RESOLVED, hat Circuits #6 (North Bay) and #17 (East Shore) be closed.
Overture 11: Formation of a District Task Force to Study the Regional
Representation on the CNH Board of Directors
(Committee #4)
WHEREAS, The 2009 District Convention of CNH created two new regions—Hawaii and
Sierra Nevada—enabling Circuit 11 (Hawaii) and Circuits 10 (Sierra Nevada) and
20 (Great Basin) to have full voice and vote on the Board of Directors, and
WHEREAS, Concerns have been raised that consequently an imbalance was created on the
BOD between the recently formed Regions (Hawaii and Nevada) representing a
total of 3 Circuits and the original three regions (Northern, Pacific, and Southern)
representing 17 Circuits, and
Page 109
WHEREAS, Concerns have been raised that the original three regions may be too large to be
adequately served by their respective Regional Vice-President and Lay Director,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Board of Directors create a task force to study the regional representation
of the CNH BOD and budgetary ramifications and make formal recommendations
for action to the 2018 CNH Convention.
Overture 12: To Encourage Ongoing Discussions Regarding the Celebration
of the Lord’s Supper
(Committee #2)
WHEREAS, the LCMS has for several years continued to discuss the celebration of the Lord’s
Supper among its members in order to seek common ground on the basis of God’s
Word and the Lutheran Confessions; and
WHEREAS, there is a wide variety of practice in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper among
congregations in the Synod, including the California-Nevada-Hawaii District
(CNH), particularly regarding who may be admitted to the Table, and
WHEREAS, there exists a wide variety of public statements (bulletin announcements) between
congregations of CNH regarding the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, particularly
regarding who may be admitted to the Table, and
WHEREAS, such wide variety of practice raises deep concern in the hearts of many pastors
and congregants alike, and
WHEREAS, a number of cases have been reported to the District office of Christians whose
faith was wounded when having participated regularly in the Lord’s Supper in a
congregation of the CNH were refused participation in another; and
WHEREAS, multiple prior resolutions of the CNH District and the LCMS have addressed this
issue with little or no resolution, and
WHEREAS, the congregations of CNH desire to walk together in the pure light of God’s Word
and be faithful in proclaiming His Gospel to all people, and
WHEREAS, the Commission on Theology and Church Relations has produced study
documents helpful in the discussion of these matters, including a recent document
entitled “GUIDELINES FOR CONGREGATIONAL, DISTRICT, AND
SYNODICAL COMMUNION STATEMENTS,” therefore be it
Page 110
RESOLVED, that the CNH District in convention commend the Synod for its efforts in
encouraging and guiding the members of the Synod in addressing the unresolved
concerns regarding the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the CNH in convention commit this great concern to the Lord in prayer, and
be it finally
RESOLVED, that the CNH District during the 2015-2018 Triennium promote serious study and
discussion of the theology and practice of the Lord’s Supper based upon God’s
Word and the Lutheran Confessions in its Circuit Pastor Conferences, Circuit
Forums, Pastoral Conferences and other venues with the intention that our
congregations and pastors arrive at a Biblically sound and evangelical common
ground.
Overture 13; TO ENCOURAGE AND AFFIRM THE MINISTRY OF
LICENSED LAY DEACONS
(Committee #1)
WHEREAS, The need for proclaiming the Gospel in our communities is vital to the salvation
of all people and remains the most urgent and necessary ministry of the
congregations of the CNH District, and
WHEREAS, God continues to multiply His work to, in, among, and beyond us so we
can be Christ’s “witnesses to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1.1--8) and serve
Him faithfully as the “Lord of the harvest” (Luke 10.1-12); and
WHEREAS, Scriptures teach that there are several and various gifts that the Holy Spirit
pours out upon His Church for proclaiming His Word with the intent that
all people be authorized to repentance and faith, that all saints are
equipped for the work of ministry, and that Christ’s body be built up in
love (Romans 10 and Ephesians 4), and
WHEREAS, the ministry of pastors with vicars, deacons, elders, teachers, deaconesses,
and other Spirit-gifted church workers continues to nurture baptized
believers and communing members, and, to equip them for evangelical
witness and service in the world (1 Corinthians 12 and 14; Ephesians
4:1—16; 1 Peter 4:4—7, 1 Thessalonians 1:8); and
Page 111
WHEREAS,
the ministry of ecclesiastically supervised licensed deacons currently
being used in many LCMS districts, including the CNH, has assisted
greatly in maintaining and expanding Word and Sacrament ministry in
many congregations and mission arenas, especially for smaller
congregations and new outreach areas unable to support the services of a
full-time pastor or missionary; and
WHEREAS
the CNH District presently has more than 15 Licensed Lay Deacons who
faithfully proclaim the Gospel to people in mission arenas and small
congregations otherwise inadequately served, and
WHEREAS, a specific concern underlying the decision to authorize the practice of
licensing of lay deacons by the 1989 Convention of the LCMS was
“identifying various and perhaps new ways of involving laypeople in
specific congregational ministries, and especially in the planting of new
missions,” and
WHEREAS, the CNH District has increased significantly its focus on the planting of
new missions that will in turn plant new missions;
WHEREAS, St. Paul commends the Church, particularly in matters that may cause
consternation or uncertainty among its members that “all things should be
done decently and in order” (1 Cor 14:40), and
WHEREAS, ministry in all ages, while done “in order” and according to a common
confession, may find its expression in a wide variety of practices; and
WHEREAS, the removal of the current Licensed Deacon program would immediately
eliminate or severely reduce Word and Sacrament ministry in several
CNH congregations and their communities, and greatly curtail the planting
of new missions, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the CNH in convention affirm and encourage District circuits and
congregations to continue the use of authorized, trained, and supervised
licensed deacons in congregations, which otherwise would not be served
adequately, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the CNH in convention affirm and encourage District circuits and
congregations to continue the use of authorized, trained, and supervised
licensed deacons in the planting of new missions, and be it further
Page 112
RESOLVED, that the selection, training, supervision, and service of our Licensed Lay
Deacons in the CNH District be held to the highest standards of
accountability and adherence to the standards of practice established by
our Synod, which is also the earnest desire of all licensed deacons and
their supervising pastors in our district; and be it further
RESOLVED, that specific emphasis be placed upon missionary outreach and the
planting of new missions in the programs and curricula utilized by the
CNH District in the preparation and licensing of lay deacons, and be it
further
RESOLVED, that the CNH District encourage the District President to support the
ongoing training of Licensed Lay Deacons through making available
needed courses and providing financial assistance where appropriate, and
be it further
RESOLVED, that the CNH District continue to maintain the standard practices
established by our Synod for those congregations and mission plants that
utilize licensed deacons in order that they remain faithful to our doctrine
and mission intent, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the CNH District in convention respectfully decline attempts to
restrict or cancel district-authorized ministries served by licensed deacons
under the supervision of ordained pastors; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the CNH District in convention respectfully decline attempts to
require licensed deacons to enter the special ministry pastor program
(SMP) when this would restrict, hinder, or stop on-going Word and
Sacrament ministry in our local congregations and mission arenas; and be
it further
RESOLVED, that we rejoice together and give thanks to God for equipping His Church
with His means of Grace and well as dedicated, authorized, and trained
workers, both lay and ordained, who faithfully and passionately reach
people in their communities with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and be it
further
RESOLVED, that delegates to the 2015 CNH District convention thank the Lord of the
harvest for the many gifts and blessings He has bestowed on our
Page 113
congregations and local ministries through the dedicated and faithful
service of our ordained pastors, commissioned ministers, and supervised
licensed deacons. Be it finally,
RESOLVED, that the CNH District forward this resolution to the 2016 LCMS
convention.
Overture 14:TO CONCLUDE CALIFORNIA-NEVADA-HAWAII DISTRICT
CONVENTIONS NO LATER THAN SATURDAY
(Committee #4)
WHEREAS,
Hebrews 10:24-25 admonishes us all, “And let us consider how to stir up one
another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit
of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day
drawing near.”; and
WHEREAS,
Pastors are instructed in II Tim. 4 to “ preach the word; be ready in season and out
of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching,” and
also to “do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”; and
WHEREAS,
Most of our district congregations conduct their primary worship services
on Sunday mornings; and
WHEREAS,
Our current schedule for district conventions removes a pastor from each
congregation in the district on Sunday morning, leading to a lack of Pastors to
lead the worship of their congregations throughout the district; and
WHEREAS,
The lack of pastoral leadership of the Divine Service is a grievous and
unnecessary hardship for congregations; be it therefore
RESOLVED, That the District Convention schedule be adjusted such that all
convention business shall be concluded no later than Saturday at 1 PM.
(Submitted by Circuit 18, Santa Clara Forum)
Page 114
Overture 15: TO CHANGE THE PROCESS FOR ELECTION OF THE
FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT
( Committee #4)
WHEREAS,
St. Paul admonishes us that all things be done “decently and in order” (1
Corinthians 14:40); and
WHEREAS,
the office of 1st Vice-President of the District is a significant one that should be
given the time and forethought that it deserves; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that a system be put in place so that the process of nominating the 1st VicePresident would be changed so that it follows the process of the nomination and
election of the district president; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that this process be put in place after the 2015 district convention.
Submitted by Circuit 4, South Sacramento & Circuit 19, East Sacramento Forums
Overture 16: TO CREATE A YOUTH TASK FORCE FOR THE CNH
DISTRICT
(Committee #3)
WHEREAS, the CNH District convention in 2012 voted to remove the Youth Committee from
the Bylaws, and
WHEREAS, the mandated committees, Stewardship (required by Synod), Mission,
Constitutional Matters, Human Care, Historical, Nominating and Hispanic
Council have served the CNH district efficiently and effectively in challenging
and assisting the congregations of the CNH district, and
WHEREAS, the Youth Committee provided an opportunity for lay people, teachers, DCEs and
Pastors to plan and execute programs to support the youth ministries of all
congregations, and
WHEREAS, the newly formed Mission Agency of the CNH District has promoted youth
ministry in concert with the CNH Mission, (January 2015) Vision, THEREFORE
BE IT
RESOLVED, that the CNH District direct the President of the CNH District to appoint a Youth
Task Force of five or more members, AND BE IT FURTHER
RESOLVED, that the CNH Youth Task Force work under the supervision of the Executive
Director – CNH Mission Awareness and Expansion, AND BE IT FINALLY,
Page 115
RESOLVED, that Executive Director – CNH Mission Awareness and Expansion report the
work of the CNH Youth Task Force to the CNH President and the CNH Board of
Directors.
(Submitted by Bethany Lutheran Church, Menlo Park, CA)
Page 116
2015 FLOOR COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
70TH DISTRICT CONVENTION
Missions #1
Theology and Practice #2
Congregational Ministries #3
Rev. Dan Deuel, Chr.
Rev. James Beyer
Rev. Steward Crown
Freddi Condos
Rick Love
Bill Swift
Rev. Mark Whittaker, Chr.
Rev. John Bestul
Rev. Henry Scherer
Tom Brannon
Barron Fong
Jim Hillmann
Rev. Stan Abraham, Chr.
Rev. Terry Chan
Rev. Jon Oetting
Randy Horne
Doug Richardson
Rod Thompson
Administration #4
Elections #5
Nominations #6
Rev. Ted Zimmerman, Chr.
Rev. Mark Kliewer
Rev. Dan Schlensker
Rick Fielitz
Dave Maxner
Rev. Mitch Gowen, Chr.
Rev. Clarence Eisberg
Rev. Mark Haas
Rev. Alan Hilton
Rev. David Sauer
Rev. Joshua Schneider
Todd Bollentino
Rebecca Calloway
Pat Oehlert
Bob Pierce
Marcia Houseworth, Chr.
Rev. Jason Bredeson
Terence Lung
Jamie McCormick, CM
Registration #7
Rev. James Kabel, Chr.
Rev. John-Paul Meyer
Nancy Adams
Otis Byrd II
Debbie Oatman
John Popielarz
Lois Standley
Page 117
COMMITTEE MEETING ROOM ASSIGNMENTS
MARRIOTT HOTEL
Willow Glen I
Committee #1 – Missions
Blossom Hill I
Committee #2 – Theology & Practice
Willow Glen II
Committee #3 – Congregational Services
Willow Glen III
Committee #4 – Administration & Structure
Guadalupe
Committee #5 – Elections
San Carlos
Committee #7 – Registration
The above locations will also be the site of Open Hearings on Friday, April 17, 2015.
Page 118

70th Convention California-Nevada-Hawaii District April 17 – 19

Transcription

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